APPLICATION REGISTRATION CLOSED.
In a collaboration between Microsoft Philanthropy and LAEDC, SustainLA is excited to announce a pitch competition to foster innovation and support our entrepreneurial community. SustainLA aims to achieve two primary goals:
Empowering Entrepreneurs: This competition provides startups in Artificial Intelligence, the Blue Economy, and Clean Energy a platform to showcase their innovations, receive mentorship, and gain valuable exposure.
Driving Economic Growth: By nurturing these ventures, we stimulate job creation and economic development, aligning with our goal of building business-friendly communities.
SustainLA will distribute a total of $15,000 in cash awards at a live event to pitch competition winners along with connections to venture capital!
Projects, Concepts, and Startups are all eligible and encouraged to submit!
AWARDS
1st place $10,000
2nd place $3,000
3nd place $2,000
SustainLA Pitch Competition
Hosted by: LAEDC x Microsoft Philanthropy
Event Date: June 27, 2025
Location: Microsoft Office, Playa Vista
Application Deadline: 5 PM, May 30, 2025
Eligibility Criteria
Startups and/or projects must meet the following to qualify:
✔ Be based in Los Angeles County
✔ A focus on the Blue Economy or Energy Alternatives using AI
✔ Demonstrate some financial investment, funding, or other resource support that is not directly provided by the founder(s)
Extra scoring points will be awarded for the following:
✔ Early bird application submission by 5 PM, May 1 (1 point)
✔ A solution that currently integrates Microsoft Azure (1 point)
Application Requirements
- Business Plan or Project Concept
- Project Description (3,000 characters max) must include how your solution addresses the following:
- A solution integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI-driven resource management, environmental monitoring, or energy efficiency); and
- One of the following two focus areas:
- The Blue Economy: the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs, while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems
- Energy Alternatives: Alternative energy sources, or “clean energy,” encompass energy derived from natural, renewable resources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, as well as nuclear energy, offering alternatives to fossil fuels.
- Current investment status and funding projections (250 words max)
- Pitch Deck (project summary, founder(s) and team, market potential, and challenges)
Submission Details
✔ All applications must be submitted by 5 PM, May 30, 2025; Earlybird 5 PM, May 1, 2025.
✔ Submit your application via the official SustainLA Pitch Competition portal.
✔ Ensure all required documents are included and formatted correctly.
✔ Selected applicants will be notified via email with further instructions.
For any inquiries, email [email protected]
Selection & Awards
???? Finalists Notified: June 13, 2025
???? Pitch Event: June 27, 2025
Coaching for Startups
SustainLA applicants who make it into the first round will receive an invitation to participate in coaching sessions to hone their presentation and pitches. These coaching sessions will be optional, and will provide some feedback to improve presentation skills in preparation for the SustainLA and other pitch competitions. More information will follow after all applications have been received.
SustainLA Pitch Competition Application
Registration has expired.