August 26, 2022, Pasadena, Calif. — Luminate Accelerator and Qubits Ventures, in partnership with Founder Institute and Duality Accelerator, will host the inaugural $100K Quantum and Photonics Pitch Competition on September 20, 2022. During the live, online event, promising Quantum and Photonics startups will pitch to a group of investors for a chance to win at least a $100,000 investment from investors, including the Luminate Accelerator and Qubits Ventures. Judges include Nardo Manaloto, Managing Partner of Qubits Ventures, a VC firm investing in early-stage quantum tech startups; and Andrew Simon, Director at Luminate Accelerator, an accelerator and investment fund for emerging solutions companies. Rules and guidelines can be found on the competition’s website at https://pitch.qubitsventures.com/.

Interested early-stage quantum and photonics startups can apply to pitch through an application form hosted by Founder Institute (https://fndri.com/3vvhpGf). Any startup with a focus on quantum and photonics solutions that has raised less than $2.5M in funding is eligible to apply.

Applications will be evaluated on their uniqueness, feasibility, financial viability, and market desirability. Seven Finalists will be selected who will pitch live at the online event on September 20th. The deadline to submit a pitch for consideration is Sunday, September 11, 2022.

The winner of the pitch competition will receive at least a $100,000 investment, subject to terms and conditions. Runners up will receive a fellowship to the Quantum & Photonics Accelerator (https://fi.co/quantum_americas).

The event is free and will stream on Zoom. Audience members from around the globe can watch the presentations live by RSVPing to the event by registering at https://fi.co/e/284003/pr.

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About Luminate
Luminate is a startup accelerator focused on advancing next-generation optics-, photonics-, and imaging-enabled companies. For more info, visit https://luminate.org/

About Qubits Ventures
Qubits Ventures is interested in scalable technology companies applying quantum technologies to solve hard problems. For more info, visit https://www.qubitsventures.com/

About Founder Institute
The Founder Institute is the world's most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. For more info, visit https://fi.co/quantum_americas