Startups Shine at Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition

Eight promising companies compete for cash prizes and a spot in the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist studio photograph featuring a modern laptop, stylized microphone, and stack of business cards arranged on a clean white background, symbolizing the technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation at the heart of the Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition.A showcase of the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative drive powering Riverside County's startup ecosystem.Riverside Today

Eight startups from the Southwest Riverside County region took the stage at the annual Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition, delivering rapid-fire pitches to a panel of regional judges. Digital Therapeutix was awarded first place, earning a $1,000 cash prize and a spot in the upcoming Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale, where they will compete for up to $20,000 in prizes and a chance to advance to the global Startup World Cup competition.

Why it matters

The Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition is a key event within Riverside County's Innovation Month, an initiative designed to elevate local startups, connect innovators with resources, and strengthen the region's innovation economy. The competition provides a platform for emerging companies to showcase their ideas and gain exposure to potential investors, partners, and customers.

The details

The competition featured eight startups, each delivering a four-minute pitch followed by a three-minute Q&A session with the judges. After deliberation, Digital Therapeutix was awarded first place, earning a $1,000 cash prize and a spot in the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale on April 29. GattaCo, Inc. earned second place and will also advance to the Pitch Finale. The other participating companies were NeyroblastGX, LLC; Tx Genetic Research; Recalivape, Inc.; Bulbul Inc.; Sequential Bio; and ALÜN Outdoors.

  • The Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition was held on April 14, 2026.
  • The Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale will take place on April 29, 2026.

The players

Digital Therapeutix

The first-place winner of the Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition, earning a $1,000 cash prize and a spot in the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale.

GattaCo, Inc.

The second-place winner of the Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition, also advancing to the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale.

Riverside County Innovation Month

An initiative designed to elevate local startups, connect innovators with resources, and strengthen the region's innovation economy.

Startup World Cup

A global startup competition offering a $1 million equity investment prize.

Murrieta Mayor Pro Tem Ron Holliday

One of the judges for the Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Digital Therapeutix and GattaCo, Inc. will compete in the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale on April 29, 2026, where they will have the opportunity to win up to $20,000 in cash prizes and advance to the global Startup World Cup competition.

The takeaway

The Southwest Region Fast Pitch Competition showcases the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Riverside County, highlighting the region's commitment to supporting and elevating local startups. The event provides a valuable platform for emerging companies to gain visibility, access resources, and potentially secure funding to scale their innovative solutions.