THE PITCH
The Pitch is Northeast Tennessee’s premier startup competition, kicking off the Startup Mountain Summit with a high-stakes battle for $10,000 and bragging rights.
GIVEN AWAY
PITCHERS
YEARS
OUR 2025 PITCHERS
VERORA SOLUTIONS
Founded by Tracy Skinner, Verora Solutions is developing a portable hybrid exercise device for stroke recovery. The device supports adaptive training, motion analytics, and remote therapy monitoring — aiming to bridge gaps in rehab accessibility for stroke survivors.
PADÍ
Founded by Titilope Olotu, PADÍ is designing biodegradable banana fiber menstrual pads embedded with microfluidic biosensors that detect reproductive health issues (such as PCOS, UTIs, anemia) via colorimetric changes, tied into an AI platform offering personalized health insights.
TOP TIER LESSONS
Founded by Cara Bognar, Top Tier Lessons is a marketplace connecting families with NCAA athletes for private or small-group sports coaching. The company handles venues, scheduling, payments, and ensures NIL and safety compliance to create scalable youth sports opportunities.
ZYNORI
Founded by Jessica Patrone and Beth Jenks, Zynori is a women’s health telehealth platform focused on menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The platform couples treatment and education to fill care gaps and improve access for women.
CAREHOME HEALTH
Founded by AJ Trelease, Carehome Health is developing Graciela, a smart medication dispensing device and caregiver app for seniors. The system automates pill and water delivery, tracks adherence, and shares compliance data with caregivers and providers.
N.E.M. SPORTS, INC. / SRV TRAINER
Founded by Joseph Paysinger, N.E.M. SPORTS is developing a multifunctional basketball training system designed to elevate player development through the innovative SRV Trainer, a versatile tool that helps athletes improve rebounding, shooting, and other essential basketball skills.
PUBLIC PITCH CORNER
Applications to Pitch are now closed. However, The Public Pitch Corner applications are now open! If you would like to showcase your small business, non-profit, or future business we would love to have you. Setting up is free, however you must bring your own table. You are welcome to sell your products / services at the event as well.
Registration to ensure we have enough room is required.
ATTENDING THE PITCH
The Pitch is open to the general community. Attending the event will inspire you while providing a showcase of new businesses coming to our region. Every year we have at least one person think the event is entirely focused on baseball but they always love the unique experience The Pitch provides.
Come see the future of our region and the innovation happening right here in Northeast Tennessee!
WHO CAN PITCH?
The Pitch application is open to all early-stage businesses, regardless of where you are based out of. However, you are encouraged to purchase a Startup Mountain Summit ticket for the full conference experience, access to more investment opportunities, and networking spaces.
HOW IT WORKS ⬇️
Six startups will be selected to pitch in font of an investment panel for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes. Applicants not selected will have the opportunity to promote themselves in the Public Pitch Corner. In this space you can highlight what you do, hand out brochures, do sampling, or sell your goods
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
In 2016, a small group of founders hosted Northeast Tennessee’s first-ever pitch competition, Pitches and Pints. That night, over 100 people showed up to support the event, sparking interest in entrepreneurship across the region and beginning a tradition of pitch competitions that would continue for years. This year, The Pitch—as it’s now known—will host its eighth competition, awarding $10,000 in prizes to top founders.
$150
FULL SUMMIT | NOV 6-8TH
- 3-Day Admission (Including The Pitch)
- All Speaker Sessions & Workshops
- Hallway Track Lounge
- Lunch Included
- Access to Adventure Networking Opportunities
$10
THE PITCH TICKET ONLY
- The Pitch Event ONLY
- DOES NOT inlcude access to the Startup Mountain Summit
Bringing the whole team? Contact Us for special pricing.
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