AI Emergence Pitch Event

About the Pitch Event

Bring your idea to life.

The AI Emergence Pitch Event is Day 2 of the AI Emergence Conference. After a day of hands-on AI learning, attendees with an AI or technology-focused idea can pitch it to a panel of judges from AWS partners and the regional business community.

The morning opens with Pitch Preparation & Support, where our team provides hands-on support to help participants get their pitches ready. If more than 10 participants arrive, a quick-fire qualifying round will determine who advances. Ten participants take the stage that afternoon, competing for Partner Proof of Concept (POC) Funding to build their solution with an AWS Partner.

Pitch your idea to win up to $25,000
in AWS partner support to build your proof of concept — with up to $40,000 in total funding across the top three winners.

How It Works

Your Path to the Stage

From conference attendee to pitching on stage — all in two days.

Step 1 · Oct 13

Register & Attend Day 1

Step 2 · Oct 14 Morning

Pitch Preparation & Support

Get hands-on support from our team to prepare your pitch for the afternoon. If more than 10 participants arrive, a quick-fire qualifying round will be held first.

Step 3 · Oct 14 Afternoon

Pitch on Stage

Ten participants take the stage at the Pitch Event and compete for Partner POC Funding.

10 Participants pitch

5 min To deliver your pitch

5 min Of judge Q&A

3 Winners awarded

Eligibility

Who Can Pitch?

If you have an AI or technology-focused idea you want to bring to life, there's a place for you on the stage.

Businesses

Owners and teams looking to put AI to work in their operations, products, or services.

Non-Profits

Organizations exploring how AI can extend their mission and serve their community.

Individuals

Builders and innovators with an AI or tech-focused idea ready to pitch.

Requirement

Day 1 attendance is required. Participation in the Pitch Event is available to qualifying attendees of Day 1 of the AI Emergence Conference on October 13.

Express Your Interest

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for businesses and entrepreneurs with a real challenge AI can help solve. No technical background or finished product needed—just a clear idea and the drive to build it.

A specific problem to solve — a process or customer need where AI could make a measurable difference.
A clear picture of the impact — saving time, reducing costs, or growing revenue.
Readiness to build — a commitment to develop a proof of concept with an AWS Partner.
Rooted in the region — serving Lodi and the surrounding communities.

Interested in Pitching?

Let us know you'd like to participate

Day 1 attendees qualify for the Day 2 Pitch Event. If more than 10 sign up, a morning qualifier will select who pitches in the afternoon main event.

The Awards

Up to $40,000 in Partner POC Funding

Judges announce the winners at the Award Ceremony. Winners receive Partner Proof of Concept Funding to support the development and build of their proposed solution with an AWS Partner.

1st Place

Up to $25,000

AWS Partner POC Funding

2nd Place

Up to $10,000

AWS Partner POC Funding

3rd Place

Up to $5,000

AWS Partner POC Funding

This is not a cash prize and is not intended to cover AWS usage or cloud bills. Partner POC Funding supports the development and build of an approved proof of concept with an AWS Partner.

Run of Show

Pitch Day Schedule

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 · Hutchins Street Square

Morning · Pitch Preparation & Support
9:00 AM

Breakfast

Start the morning with a light breakfast and a chance to settle in and meet fellow participants before pitches begin.
9:30 AM

Pitch Preparation & Support

Pitch participants are given the support needed in order to participate in the afternoon pitch event. If more than 10 participants arrive, a quick-fire qualifying round will be held first, followed by pitch support for those selected for the afternoon.
12:00 PM

Lunch

Take a break and enjoy lunch while connecting with participants, judges, and guests ahead of the afternoon program.
Afternoon · Pitch Event
1:00 PM

Welcome to the Program

The pitch event opens with a welcome and introduction to the afternoon program.

Clare Bhakta · Executive Director, Open Innovation Centers

Jateen Bhakta · Chief Learning Officer, Open Innovation Centers
1:05 PM

Opening Remarks

Opening remarks on behalf of the Lodi business community.

JP Doucette · CEO/Director, Lodi Chamber of Commerce
1:15 PM

Program Breakdown & Meet the Judges

A walkthrough of the program, the criteria the judges will be scoring on, and an introduction to the judging panel.
1:30 PM

Pitch Event

The first five participants each deliver a five-minute pitch, followed by five minutes of questions from the judges.

Vernisha Williams Tiffany K. Martin Donovan Uy JD Virgen Kathryn Labatad
2:30 PM

Break & Partner Talk

A short break to grab water and snacks, plus a talk on our partnership with AWS and how it's being put to use.
2:40 PM

Pitches Resume

The remaining five participants take the stage, each delivering a five-minute pitch followed by five minutes of judge Q&A.

Matt & Ani Abrahamson Jeanice Nyung Scott Sorgent Kareemah Montano
3:50 PM

Break

A short break to grab water, snacks, and to network with pitch participants & judges.
4:00 PM

Award Ceremony

Judges announce the winners and recognize the standout businesses from the day's competition.
5:00 PM

Networking Session

Stay after the event for snacks and conversation with speakers, attendees, AWS, and AWS partners.

Live Pitch Event Scoring

What Are The Judging Criteria?

At the live pitch event, your pitch will be evaluated across six areas, all equally weighted.

The Problem You're Solving & Who It's For

Do you clearly explain what problem exists, who has it, and why it matters?

The People Behind the Idea

Do you (and your team, if any) have the skills, experience, or personal connection needed to bring this idea to life?

Progress So Far

What have you done already? This could include early users, customer conversations, a prototype, pilot tests, or partnerships.

How Well the AI Tools Serve Your Business

Do the AI tools solve a real need, and how will they be put to work in your business to deliver clear, measurable impact?

How Ready You Are to Move Forward

Does the idea or business seem ready for the next step—such as more users, more testing, funding, or scaling?

How Well the Idea Is Presented

Is the pitch easy to understand, well-organized, and confidently delivered with clear visuals and messaging?

Tip: You don't need to have everything perfect—just make your pitch clear, grounded, and easy to follow.

Ready to Pitch?

Register for the AI Emergence Conference, attend Day 1, and bring your idea to the Pitch Event for a chance at up to $25,000 in AWS Partner POC funding.

Registration closes Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 11:59pm PDT.

In Collaboration With