October 22–24, 2026
Three days of practical startup programming for founders, investors, operators, students, technologists, and business leaders.
Kickstart Midwest is looking for builders with something real to teach.
We're looking for speakers who can share what they've actually learned: building companies, raising capital, finding customers, leading teams, using AI, scaling products, navigating failure, and growing in the Midwest.
No fluff. No generic inspiration. Useful talks from people doing the work.
Speaker applications are open for founders, executives, investors, educators, product leaders, and operators across the Midwest.
Startup World Cup · Ohio Regional 2026
Pitch your startup on a bigger stage.
Kickstart Midwest will host a Startup World Cup regional competition, giving Midwest startups a path to compete for global attention, investor visibility, and a spot connected to one of the world's largest startup pitch platforms.
If you're building a high-growth company and want to get in front of judges, investors, and startup leaders, submit your company for consideration.
Ideal for early-stage and growth-stage startups with a clear product, market, team, and ambition to scale.
Ohio Regional · 2026