October 22–24, 2026 · Columbus, Ohio
Kickstart Midwest 2026. Build together.
Three days of practical startup programming for founders, investors, operators, students, technologists, and business leaders — talks, workshops, pitch coaching, and a Startup World Cup regional competition in the heart of Columbus.
Early registration is open. Seats are limited.
Sessions
The Loom — Columbus Fashion Alliance
161 N Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Keynote & Pitch Competition
Canzani Center, Columbus College of Art & Design
60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Kickstart Midwest is looking for builders with something real to teach.
Call for Speakers
Three days of practical startup programming for founders, investors, operators, students, technologists, and business leaders.
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
Our Sponsors
The partners building with us.
Kickstart Midwest is made possible by the organizations backing builders across the Midwest. Thank you to our headlining partners.
Become a sponsor at sponsor@kickstartohio.com. Partner with Kickstart Midwest to reach founders, investors, and operators across the region.