Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition

APPLICATIONS are open from: April 1 - April 30, 2026. Deadline is April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM (EST)

Sponsored by PREDICTif Solutions and Amazon Web Services (AWS), and hosted by Maryland SBDC and Frostburg State University, 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 Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Western Maryland Works, 37 Lane Ave., LaVale, Maryland 21505.

Registration to ATTEND event here: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18502

How To Apply

APPLICATIONS are open from: April 1 - April 30, 2026. Deadline is April 30, 2026 at 11:59PM (EST)

Email full application materials to: jdbroadwater@frostburg.edu

Please submit the complete application materials by email, including:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Company name
• Company website
• Business address
• Stage of development (annual revenue, number of employees, and years in operation)
• AI use case (500 words or fewer)
• In the AI use case section, clearly explain how you plan to implement artificial intelligence within your business. Provide specific details about your strategy, objectives, and expected impact. Applications that present a thoughtful, well-developed approach will be more competitive.
• Please also include your pitch deck.
  
  Eligibility requirements:

• Business must be registered with the State of Maryland
• Business must have operational revenue
• Company must have 50 or fewer employees

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.
• 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.

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 this Pitch Competition event @ Western Maryland Works on May 14, 2026 here: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18502