Travel Tech Association (Travel Tech) has announced the finalists for its start-up pitch competition, ahead of its Start-Up Summit on October 14, 2026, at Concorde in National Landing, Arlington, Virginia.

The finalists span a broad range of travel technology, with companies developing solutions for travel planning, hospitality, group travel, experiences, community-driven travel and the infrastructure supporting a more connected travel ecosystem.

The confirmed finalists are Chirrup, CleverFi, HousMthr, ItinAFairy, RoomRite Group Solutions, The Run Hub, Tripiamo and Voyagier.

The Start-Up Summit will bring together founders, investors, industry leaders, corporate partners and the wider Travel Tech community for networking, education, collaboration and pitch opportunities.

The event aims to help emerging travel technology companies gain visibility, practical insights and connections with potential investors, partners and customers.

During the competition, finalists will pitch their businesses live, take part in judge Q&A sessions and receive feedback from investors and industry experts.

The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, a facilitated conversation with an Expedia executive, promotional exposure through Travel Tech communications and post-event media coverage.

The prize package also includes introductions to relevant investors, industry leaders, potential partners and customers, as well as recognition at the Summit and opportunities for continued engagement with Travel Tech.

“We’re excited to showcase finalists that reflect the breadth of the travel technology industry,” said Bethany Reitsma, Senior Manager, Industry Relations at Travel Tech. “These early-stage companies are building solutions across travel planning, hospitality, group travel, experiences, operations, and infrastructure. The Start-Up Summit gives them a platform to share their work, connect with investors and industry leaders, and build relationships that can support their growth.”

Beyond the pitch competition, the Summit will feature networking, educational programming, start-up showcases and direct engagement with investors, corporate partners and industry leaders.

Travel Tech said the event is designed to create meaningful connections across the industry, with opportunities for founders and other participants to build relationships even if they are not among the companies pitching on stage. -TradeArabia News Service