2026 Adirondack Launchpad Pitch Competition
Take the stage, pitch your vision, and accelerate your business!
Have a business or just a great idea for one?
The Adirondack Launchpad is looking for entrepreneurs and founders to showcase their startup or big idea! Submit your application by October 26 to gain regional exposure, access hands-on mentorship, unlock tailored business resources, and compete for seed funding.
Pitch Day: November 12, 2026, from 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Where: Lake Placid or Saranac Lake, NY
Who: Open to the Public
We’re looking for businesses or early-stage ideas from across New York’s North Country region. Whether you’re just getting started or growing fast, we want to hear from you!
What is the Launchpad?
The Adirondack Launchpad empowers local founders, makers, and innovators to launch and scale businesses in the Adirondack region. Whether you’re building a tech platform, launching a main street shop, or crafting a physical product, this competition provides seed funding, mentorship, and regional exposure
Why Pitch?
This is more than a chance to win prize money (though that’s pretty great, too). It’s an opportunity to showcase your idea or business to a live audience of potential supporters, customers, partners, and investors, gain exposure in your community and across the region, receive pitch coaching and support to help sharpen your message, and join a growing network of rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders.
Competition Tracks & Prize Categories
| Innovation & Tech Track | Main Street & Makers Track |
| Tech platforms, software, scalable services, and digital solutions. | Physical products, brick-and-mortar retail, artisans, outdoor gear, tourism and local services. |
| Focus: Scalability, technology integration, and broad market reach. | Focus: Community impact, craftsmanship, and local economic resilience |
Award Categories & Prizes: Overall Tech Winner, Overall Main Street & Makers Winner and Audience Choice Award.
- Innovation & Tech winner: $1,000
- Main Street & Makers winner: $1,000
- Audience Choice winner: $500
Eligibility & Requirements
- Open to all North Country entrepreneurs with either an existing business or an emerging idea that is based in, serves, or will have a meaningful impact on the greater Adirondack region.
- Submission Requirement: In addition to answering basic pitch questions, applicants must submit at least one piece of tangible proof showing progress and founders’ resume or LinkedIn profile.
Launchpad 2026 Timeline
- August 28 – Applications Open!
- October 26 – Application Deadline
- November 1 – Finalist Pitch Selection Announced
- November 9 – Pitch Decks Due
- November 11 – Pitch Night!
Together We Build
Launchpad Partners
Clarkson University Shipley Center for Innovation
The Shipley Center provides inventors and entrepreneurs with the resources and expertise needed to fully commercialize their products and launch successful new businesses in Northern New York.
Point Positive
Point Positive is dedicated to establishing entrepreneurial businesses in the Greater Adirondack Region by assembling angel investors who provide start-up and growth funding.
Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)
AEDC advances economic opportunity in North Country communities by providing support and funding for existing and new small businesses across a 14-county area.
Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA)
ANCA catalyzes sustainable economic development across the Adirondack North Country by implementing programs focused on small businesses, clean energy, and equity.
New York Ventures
Serves as the state’s venture capital arm, providing critical funding and support to high-growth companies that are driving innovation and job creation across New York.
North Country Small Business Development Center
The North Country SBDC provides free and confidential business counseling and management assistance to new and existing small businesses in the region.
Franklin County IDA/Adirondack Frontier
This agency is committed to serving new and existing businesses and industries by facilitating strategic investment and job creation for the economic well-being of Franklin County.
Essex County IDA
The Essex County IDA works to attract compatible and diverse sustainable economic development opportunities while focusing on retention/expansion, quality of life, and job creation within the Essex county.