# Event Details - **Event Name**: Pitch & Mingle Series: The Great Pumpkin Pitch - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 15 Oct, 2026 at 05:00 pm – Thu, 15 Oct, 2026 at 08:00 pm (-04:00) - **Event Description**: Watch 5 Maryland startups pitch for $10K+ in prizes, then mingle with founders, investors & entrepreneurs over food & drinks.About this EventSweater Weather, Bigger Stakes: Five Startups. One Stage. Over $10,000 on the Line.Fall means it's time for the MIC's favorite pitch competition to heat back up. Five entrepreneurs from across Maryland pitch live for more than $10,000 in prizes, then it's cocktails, light fare, and networking with entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors from around the state.THIS IS FOR YOU IFYou're an entrepreneur or small business owner who wants to see how a winning pitch is built — and learn from the Q&AYou're an investor, mentor, or ecosystem partner looking to meet Maryland's next wave of entrepreneursYou want a low-pressure way to grow your network with other business owners over food and drinksYou're a past MIC participant, member, or supporter who wants to root on this year's finalistsWHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITHA front-row seat to five live pitches and real judge Q&A — a masterclass in what makes a pitch landA vote in the Crowd Favorite Award, with $1,000 on the line for the audience's pickNew connections with entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors from across Maryland's startup communityA full evening of food, drinks, and networking at the Maryland Innovation CenterA look at how to position your own business the next time you're ready to pitchTHE COMPETITIONFive finalists, selected from applications, each deliver a 5-minute pitch followed by 3 minutes of Q&A from a panel of expert judgesJudges award more than $10,000 in total prize funding: The audience votes live for the Crowd Favorite Award, adding an extra $1,000 for the winning companyGOT A BUSINESS OF YOUR OWN? APPLY TO PITCH Applications are open now through Friday, August 21 at 11:59 PM ET for Maryland-based, early-stage businesses (under $150K in annual revenue, in business less than 5 years, with some customer traction). Five finalists are selected to pitch live at this event and receive complimentary food, drinks, and networking access all night. 👉 Apply to PitchDETAILS: 📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026 · 5:00 – 8:00 PM ET 📍 Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 ⏱️ 3 hours 🎟️ Five live pitches, judges' Q&A, Crowd Favorite vote, food & drinks included 💵 $35Agenda🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PMRegistration & Networking🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PMWelcome & Introduction🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PMPitches🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:20 PMNetworking & Deliberation 🕑: 07:20 PM - 07:30 PMWinner Announcement🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PMNetworking & Closing - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/columbia/pitch-and-mingle-series-the-great-pumpkin-pitch/100001998218487286 - **Event Categories**: business, contests, food-drinks - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 3 hours - Location: Maryland Innovation Center - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 35, max: 35, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Columbia - **state**: MD - **country**: United States - **location**: Maryland Innovation Center - **lat**: 39.1842437 - **long**: -76.8015413 - **full address**: Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Pitch & Mingle Series: The Great Pumpkin Pitch - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events4/banners/52954c7ef025870d44ba80768c55ffb9b8b97cee0b83b62d039c60f0c5c1a9e3-rimg-w1200-h600-dce8f8f8-gmir.jpg?v=1787121515 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Pitch & Mingle Series: The Great Pumpkin Pitch being held? - **A:** Pitch & Mingle Series: The Great Pumpkin Pitch takes place on Thu, 15 Oct, 2026 at 05:00 pm to Thu, 15 Oct, 2026 at 08:00 pm at Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Pitch & Mingle Series: The Great Pumpkin Pitch? - **A:** Pitch & Mingle Series: The Great Pumpkin Pitch is organized by Howard County Economic Development Authority. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Pitch & Mingle Series: The Great Pumpkin Pitch is ideal for party-goers, social butterflies, and anyone looking for a great night out with music, drinks, and good vibes. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Columbia, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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