Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition

Entry Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 11:59PM (EST)

Sponsored by PREDICTif Solutions and Amazon Web Services (AWS), and hosted by MD SBDC and HCEDA, this event brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and AI visionaries for a live pitch competition. Finalists will present their AI-driven business concepts to a panel of expert judges. Top ideas will be recognized for their creativity, impact, and potential.

Up to ten (10) Applicants will be selected to pitch on Tues, April 21, 2026 at the Maryland Innovation Center. Email full application materials to: cpruett@umd.edu 

Registration to ATTEND event @ Maryland Innovation Center on April 21, 2026 here: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18433

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATIONS are open from: March 1- 31, 2026. Deadline is March 31, 2026 at 11:59PM (EST)

Email full application materials to: cpruett@umd.edu
Email full Application requirements:

1. Full name, email, phone number, company name, company website, business address, stage of development, and AI Use Case. Applicants must clearly express and describe how they propose to use AI in their business. The more detailed and strategic, the better your chances of being selected.
2. Business Plan
3. Must be registered with the State of Maryland, have operational revenue, and be limited to businesses with 50 employees or less.

PRIZE

Up to $50,000 in AWS and PREDICTif services to launch your AI solution.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

• Potential to receive support to bring your project to life! This is your opportunity to showcase your AI vision in front of AWS and PREDICTif leaders, community, and industry experts.

• Total funding of up to $50K to fuel your AI project – this funding is designed specifically to provide technical and strategic resources to accelerate your AI project.

• No cash prizes will be awarded

Why Participate and Who Should Apply

This competition is ideal for small businesses that:

• Have a desire to integrate an AI-driven innovation and solution into their operations, and have a concept.
• Need funding, resources, and expert support to scale their business using an AI solution.
• Want to connect with AI and AWS industry leaders to refine, deploy, and implement AI strategies.

How it Works

• Apply to Pitch– Up to 10 businesses will be selected through a review committee. After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation if your application is chosen by April 14th.
• Public Pitch Format– Each company will pitch on stage in front of a live audience and expert panel. Each pitch will be 5 minutes, followed by a brief 5-minute Q&A. Each presenter will be asked to have a visual aid as part of their pitch.
• Networking Opportunity– After the competition, engage with community, AWS and PREDICTif Solutions leaders to explore AI-driven business opportunities.
  
  

About the Hosts & Sponsors

• AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a global leader in cloud computing and AI innovation.
• PREDICTif Solutions is an AWS Advanced Tier Partner with 17+ years of experience in AI/ML, Generative AI, Data Analytics, and AWS cloud solutions.
• Maryland SBDC (Small Business Development Center) provides expert business advisory services, training, and resources to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive.
• Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA)(Hawaii Technology Development Corporation)
  

FAQ

• ​Who should apply?

    This showcase is ideal for organizations (startups, SMBs, enterprise teams, nonprofits, researchers) that:

• Are integrating AI-driven innovation into their operations
• ​Need funding, resources, and expert support to scale an AI vision.
• Want to connect with AI and AWS leaders to refine and implement AI strategies.
  

• ​Why participate?

​Access up to $50,000 in funding and expert guidance to implement AI.

• ​Exclusive opportunity to present directly to AWS & AI leaders.
• ​Tailored feedback in a focused, high-value setting.
• ​Network with AWS and PREDICTif experts to explore AI-powered growth.
  

• ​How does funding work?

This is not a cash prize. Funding is allocated toward technical resources, architecture support, and solution development services delivered by PREDICTif in collaboration with AWS (subject to program eligibility and scope).

Registration to ATTEND event @ Maryland Innovation Center on April 21, 2026 here: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18433