Volusia Innovation Challenge
A business pitch competition for early-stage innovators and business owners who are ready to launch or scale-up their venture in Volusia County.
Change the world with your business idea!
Apply to Showcase and Pitch Your Business Idea at the 2026 Volusia Innovation Challenge on March 25, 2026!
Submit your email address to receive notifications about the 2026 application and prep workshops.
Public records disclaimer: Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.
Application Window Opens in November 2025.
The 2026 application is NOW CLOSED.
View all eligibility requirements and FAQs regarding the competition.
Check out an Application Example. Need help with any of the application questions? Contact us at 386-248-8048 or vbr@volusia.org.
Do you have a viable product or idea you want to pitch? And you’re...
- Ready to bring your innovation to life?
- Looking for candid feedback to validate your product concept?
- Seeking advice to help propel your new venture?
The Volusia Innovation Challenge is ideal for you to...
- Get noticed and showcase your innovation in a supportive welcoming environment.
- Receive expert guidance on the merits of your product or business idea.
- Gain experience presenting a new concept.
- Plus, win cash and in-kind prizes just for participating to advance your venture!
How to participate.
- Review all eligibility requirements and FAQs at the bottom of this webpage.
- Submit your application along with your 3-minute pitch video online by Jan. 31, 2026.
- If selected to participate in the Innovation Showcase at the event, prepare a visual display to showcase your innovation.
- If selected as a finalist, in addition to the Innovation Showcase display, prepare a 5-minute on-stage pitch of your venture and present to a panel of expert judges and the live audience.
Attend an Application Overview Workshop
Plan to attend an in-person workshop for a comprehensive overview of the Volusia Innovation Challenge application for your business idea pitch before applying.
Workshop Highlights:
- Detailed Application Walkthrough: Understand the key components and information required for your application.
- Expert Tips: Learn valuable tips for creating a compelling video pitch that stands out.
- Q&A Session: Get all your questions answered by our experts.
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
126 E Orange Ave, Daytona Beach
Click the hyperlinked date to register via Eventbrite.
Stetson University Lynn Business Center
345 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand
Click the hyperlinked date to register via Eventbrite.
How To Create a Great Pitch Video
Click this document for more helpful tips to keep in mind when creating your pitch video.
When?
The 2026 Volusia Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition Finals & Showcase will occur on March 25, 2026 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where?
The event will occur at the Ocean Center Convention Center & Event Venue at 101 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL
Apply to Pitch Your Business Idea at the 2026 Volusia Innovation Challenge!
Submit your email address to receive notifications about the 2026 application and prep workshops.
Public records disclaimer: Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.
Application Window Opens in November 2025.
The 2026 application is now CLOSED.
View all eligibility requirements and FAQs regarding the competition.
Check out an Application Example. Need help with any of the application questions? Contact us at 386-248-8048 or vbr@volusia.org.
FAQs
How do I know if I’m eligible to compete?
To compete you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or have other legal status.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in, operate your business in, or be a student within Volusia County.
- Be an aspiring or current business owner.
- Have or propose a Volusia County business address.
- Have a viable product or service or an advanced-stage product or service concept.
- Have annual business revenue of $100,000 or less.
What are the prizes?
- First place: cash and in-kind prizes valued at $10,000
- Second place: cash and in-kind prizes valued at $5,000
- People’s Choice (showcase favorite): cash and in-kind prizes valued at $2,000 (Awarded by the audience. 1st and 2nd place prize winners are not eligible.)
- Bonus: The biggest prizes will be the professional connections made, and expert advice received to help advance your idea.
What would my time commitment be once I’ve decided to join the competition?
- Plan 1-2 hours to attend one of the optional application workshops.
- Create a 3-minute “selfie” pitch video that can either be stand-alone or embedded in a Power Point presentation.
- Complete and submit your online application before midnight on January 31, 2026.
- If you advance to the semi-final stage, plan for one or more coaching sessions in early- to mid-March 2026 with an assigned mentor who will help guide your preparations for a live 5-minute before a panel of judges during the semi-finals.
- As an Innovation Showcase participant or finalist, plan to be at the Ocean Center Daytona Beach take on March 25, from 4:30 to 8:30 PM.
When and where are the application workshops?
Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce
126 E Orange Ave, Daytona Beach
3 Dates to register for; Each occurs from 4-6 p.m.
- 11/19/25
- 12/10/25
- 1/14/26
Stetson University Lynn Business Center
345 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand\
2 Dates to register for:
- 12/11/25 from 5 – 7 p.m.
- 1/14/26 from 4 – 6 p.m.
What criteria will be used to select the winner?
Evaluators and judges will consider:
- Applicant Eligibility
- Market Viability
- Is there a clear market need for the product or service?
- How large is the potential market, and does the business have a viable target audience?
- Innovation and Differentiation
- How unique or innovative is the idea?
- Does the product or service offer a significant improvement or solve a problem in a new way?
- Feasibility and Scalability
- Can the business be realistically launched and sustained with the proposed plan?
- Does the business model show potential for growth and scalability?
- Financial Viability
- Are the financial projections realistic and well thought out?
- Is there a clear understanding of revenue streams, costs, and profitability?
- Presentation and Communication
- Was the pitch clear, concise, and engaging?
- Did the presenter effectively convey their passion, confidence, and knowledge about the business?
Who will judge the finals competition?
The selected panel of judges will be composed of experienced business leaders from the community who are passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.
How long is the final pitch?
Plan your pitch for a maximum of 5 minutes. Your presentation will be followed by questions from the judges.
What should my presentation include?
Your presentation should, at a minimum, cover the following key points:
- Problem Statement: Clearly define the problem you aim to solve.
- Proposed Solution: Explain your product or service and how it addresses the problem.
- Competitive Landscape: Discuss your competitors or alternative solutions currently available.
- Go-to-Market Strategy: Outline your plan for bringing your product to market including your marketing strategy.
- Financial Viability: Provide evidence of your venture’s potential for profitability and sustainability.
Does my product have to be developed already?
No, you can apply with just an advanced-stage business concept. However, we strongly encourage you to develop virtual or physical prototypes and provide evidence that you’ve engaged with your target market and gathered feedback on your product’s viability.
Can I compete with an intangible product, like a service or a digital product?
Yes, you can compete with a service or a digital product. For these types of entries, we recommend creating and presenting visuals to help the judges fully grasp your concept. For instance, if you’re developing software as a solution, you could demonstrate the actual software or provide a wireframe with mock-up images of the interface. This will give the judges a clearer understanding of the user experience and functionality.
Do I need to have a model or prototype to compete?
You are not required to have a prototype for the competition, but we strongly encourage you to develop virtual or physical prototypes and provide evidence that you’ve engaged with your target market and gathered feedback on your product’s viability.
What if I already launched my product?
Products that are already in the market are acceptable, as long as the annual revenue of the product and associated business doesn’t exceed $100,000.
Do I need to patent my idea to compete?
Although filing a patent is not required to compete, it is highly recommended. Keep in mind that participating in the competition will constitute a public disclosure. If you believe your idea qualifies for a utility patent, we strongly suggest filing for provisional patent status beforehand as a precaution. https://www.uspto.gov/patents/basics/apply/provisional-application
Are there any obligations tied to competing or accepting the prizes?
There are no obligations beyond the competition itself. However, winners are asked to serve as ambassadors for the event by sharing updates on their progress and success as they continue their entrepreneurial journey.
