SEAAF 2026 Startup Competition

A Million Dollar Vote you don't want to miss!

The French-American Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest is pleased to invite your startup to apply for the SEAAF Startup Competition, taking place on October 1st during the Seattle European-American Air Forum (SEAAF), as part of Seattle Space Week.

This unique opportunity will place 10 selected seed startups in front of an audience of aerospace, space, technology, manufacturing, investment, and industry leaders from across Americas and Europe.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from startups created within the last 7 years, and working in areas such as:

• Aerospace
• Aviation
• Space
• Defense
• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• Deep Tech
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Mobility
• Supply Chain Innovation
• Other transformative technologies

Selected Startups Will Receive

✅ A 4-minute pitch opportunity during the SEAAF luncheon session

✅ A dedicated showcase space in the SEAAF Startup Lab

✅ Direct exposure to corporate executives, investors, policymakers, customers, suppliers, and innovation leaders

✅ Participation in a unique audience engagement competition

✅ The opportunity to win exclusive prizes and recognition

About the SEAAF Startup Lab

Following the pitch session, finalists will host a dedicated booth within the Startup Lab, a dedicated space where attendees can discover innovative technologies, watch demonstrations, engage directly with founders, while learning more about each participating company, and submit A Million Dollar Vote! More details will be shared with the finalists!

The Startup Lab is designed to foster meaningful conversations, increase visibility, and create valuable business development opportunities for emerging companies.

Prize Package

🏆 One-Year FACC PNW Startup Membership

✈️ One Complimentary Pass to VivaTech Paris, June 16-19 2027, Europe's leading startup and innovation conference

📣 Recognition during the SEAAF Closing Reception

🌟 Visibility through FACC PNW communications and social media channels

Apply Today!

Interested startups can submit the application until September 7th 2026, using the following form:

👉SEAAF Startup Competition Application

Applications limited to 50 startups.

$100 symbolic application fee applies.

Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee, and ten startups will be selected to join us on October 1st in Seattle.

The list of finalists will be communicated on September 11

We encourage you to share this opportunity with other innovative startups that may benefit from presenting at SEAAF.

Key Milestones & Timeline

September 11 – Finalists Announced

• Top 10 startup finalists are selected and notified.
• Finalists receive the competition guide, pitch instructions, and Startup Lab logistics package.
• Non-selected applicants receive notification and an invitation to attend SEAAF closing Reception.

September 15 – Final Pitch Materials Due

• Finalists submit all required event materials, including:
  • Final presentation
  • Demo requirements
  • Electrical and audiovisual (AV) needs
  • Company representative list

September 22 – Startup Orientation

• Virtual briefing for finalists covering:
  • Event logistics
  • Pitch format and expectations
  • Voting process
  • Startup Lab setup requirements

September 30 – Startup Lab Setup

• Optional venue setup window for participating startups, subject to venue availability.

October 1 – Event Day

• Startup competition, demonstrations, pitching, and event activities take place.

We look forward to discovering the next generation of companies shaping the future of aerospace, space, and advanced technologies.