Supernova 0X

Pre-Seed: MVP or prototype, less than $250K raised.

Seed: Product in market, $250K–$3M raised.

Series A: $3M–$15M raised with proven traction.

Applications are reviewed by an internal committee based on:

• Market opportunity
• Product differentiation
• Traction
• Team strength
• Business model

Pre-Seed & Seed: 3-minute pitch + 2-minute Q&A.

Series A: 2-minute pitch + 4-minute Q&A.

Winners are selected directly from the semi-finals, with no finals round.

You must be an exhibiting startup at Expand North Star 2026 to apply for this competition. Once registered, you will gain access to the Exhibitor Portal (Ezone). Submit your application form through the portal, along with your pitch deck and elevator pitch video.

It is built around investment stages, ensuring better alignment between startups and investors and increasing the chances of real deals.

You can still engage with investors and a wider audience. A waitlist is maintained for last-minute changes.

Through the application on Ezone, you will be asked to provide verifiable proof of your funding round. This could include an official announcement, a listing in a reputable database or investor confirmation.

Your pitch deck should clearly explain the problem you are solving, your solution, business model, market opportunity, traction and team.

Explore this pitch deck structure guide

Your 60-second pitch video should clearly convey your startup's purpose, the problem you are solving and why it matters. Avoid jargon; focus on clarity and confidence. Aim to spark curiosity and make investors want to hear more.

The video must not exceed 60 seconds. Longer submissions will NOT BE CONSIDERED.

The video must be in English and clearly show your upper body, whether sitting or standing. Submit your video using a YouTube or Vimeo URL.

Watch the 1-minute pitch reference guide

No. Each year has a new selection process. If you miss your pitch, your spot will be given to the next runner-up.

You will be contacted by the team within one week of the event to arrange your prize and discuss the next steps.

While we are unable to provide individual feedback due to the high volume of applications, every submission is carefully reviewed by our judging panel. We truly value the effort behind your application.