Southwest RivCo Pitch Competition Winners Announced: $1K Prize, Up For $20K In Next Round

Entrepreneurs from Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore and surrounding areas vied for the big prize: to make it to the next level.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A clean, modern 3D illustration depicts a miniature, stylized business environment with a pitch competition stage, representing the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation showcased at the Riverside County event.A miniature, stylized scene captures the entrepreneurial energy and innovation on display at the Riverside County pitch competition, where startups compete for investment opportunities to fuel their growth.Riverside Today

Two local businesses, Digital Therapeutix and GattaCo, Inc., have won a chance to move on to the next round of the Fast Pitch Competition in Riverside. The winners will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses for $20,000 in cash prizes and vie for a spot at the global Startup World Cup competition to compete for a $1 million equity investment.

Why it matters

The Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition is part of Riverside County Innovation Month, an initiative designed to elevate local startups, connect innovators with resources, and strengthen the region's innovation economy. This event highlights the depth of talent and innovation emerging from Southwest Riverside County.

The details

The Tuesday event featured pitches from eight startups, each delivering a four-minute presentation followed by a three-minute question-and-answer session with a panel of regional judges. Digital Therapeutix won the first-place award, earning a $1,000 cash prize, while GattaCo, Inc. earned second place. The next stop for the winners is the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale on April 29 at the Riverside Convention Center.

  • The Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale will be held on April 29, 2026.

The players

Digital Therapeutix

A local business that won the first-place award in the Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition, earning a $1,000 cash prize and the opportunity to pitch for $20,000 in the next round.

GattaCo, Inc.

A local business that earned second place in the Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition and will also advance to the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale.

Riverside County Office of Economic Development

The organizer of the Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition and Riverside County Innovation Month, committed to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting small business growth in the region.

Stephanie Stethem

The supervising economic development specialist and small business advocate for the Riverside County Office of Economic Development, who provided opening remarks at the event.

Startup World Cup

A global competition where the winners of the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale will have the opportunity to compete for a $1 million equity investment.

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What they’re saying

“The program began with a welcome luncheon and remarks recognizing sponsors US Bank and DIY Divorce, along with partners including the County of Riverside, the cities of Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, Impact Riverside County and Startup World Cup.”

— Spokesperson

“The Fast Pitch Competition highlights the depth of talent and innovation emerging from Southwest Riverside County. These entrepreneurs are tackling real-world challenges with creativity and determination, and today's event is just the beginning of their journey.”

— Event Organizers

What’s next

The winners, Digital Therapeutix and GattaCo, Inc., will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses for $20,000 in cash prizes and vie for a spot at the global Startup World Cup competition to compete for a $1 million equity investment at the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale on April 29, 2026.

The takeaway

The Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition showcases the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Riverside County, with local startups tackling real-world challenges and competing for significant investment opportunities. This event highlights the region's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting small business growth.