Apply as a Startup — TCS Founders Arena 2026
Applications Close June 1710 Startups SelectedPitch Coaching IncludedDeal Room AccessInvestor NetworkWeb3 + AI StartupsMSME · FinTech · Supply Chain Applications Close June 1710 Startups SelectedPitch Coaching IncludedDeal Room AccessInvestor NetworkWeb3 + AI StartupsMSME · FinTech · Supply Chain
Apply — Applications Close June 17

For Startup Founders

3 MINUTES.
THE RIGHT ROOM.
YOUR SHOT.

TCS Founders Arena 2026 Demo Day is selecting 10 Web3 + AI startups to pitch live to Philippine investors at SMX Convention Center during Philippine Blockchain Week.

App Deadline: June 17, 2026
10 Slots Available
SMX · PBW · June 20
Apply as a Startup

Inside Philippine Blockchain Week 2026

TCS Founders Arena Runs Inside
the Philippines' Most Premier
Blockchain Event

TCS Founders Arena 2026 Demo Day runs inside Philippine Blockchain Week — June 20–21, 2026 at SMX Convention Center Manila. Pitching at TCS Founders Arena means your startup is visible to the reach and credibility of the Philippines' largest blockchain audience.

June 20–21, 2026 SMX Convention Center Manila
15,000+
Attendees
Investors in the audience
400+
KOLs
Web3 key opinion leaders on-site
250+
Speakers
Industry leaders on the same floor
10
Demo Day Startups
Curated · Coached · Pitch-ready
The Philippines' Most Premier Blockchain Event. TCS Founders Arena Demo Day runs on Day 1 — June 20 — when the PBW audience is fully assembled and engaged at SMX.

Pitch Format

5 Minutes. Every Second Counts.

The format is strict. The timer is visible. The bell rings at 2:45. Hard cut at 3:00 — no exceptions. Come prepared.

3Min to Pitch

Bell at 2:45. Hard cut at 3:00. Live timer visible to you and judges.

2Min Q&A

Direct judge questions. Hard stop at 2 minutes. MC moderates.

10Slides Max

Problem · Solution · Market · Demo · Business Model · Evidence · Team · Stack · Ask · Vision

1Live Demo

Working prototype required. Demo during pitch strongly encouraged. No mockups in the room.

25%
Problem & Market
25%
Solution & Tech
25%
Business Model
25%
Team & Traction

Who Should Apply

Built Something Real?
We Want You in the Room.

We're not looking for slide decks. We're looking for startups that have done the work — validated a real problem, built a working prototype, and are ready to face investors with evidence. Here's what you need to qualify:

Web3 and/or AI Technology

Your solution must use blockchain (Web3, DeFi, tokenization, smart contracts) and/or artificial intelligence. Pure ideation not accepted.

Working Prototype or MVP

A functional web or mobile product that judges can test on Demo Day. No mockups, no wireframes, no "coming soon." Your product must be live.

Pre-Seed to Seed Stage

Early-stage startups at pre-seed or seed stage. Minimum 2 co-founders, with at least one technical founder on the team.

Philippine Market Applicability

Your solution must address a real market opportunity in the Philippines or ASEAN. Domains: MSME, New Age Finance, Supply Chain, Agri, HealthTech, GovTech.

Available on June 20

At least one founder must pitch in person at SMX Convention Center, Manila on June 20, 2026. Remote pitching is not available.

Willing to Be Coached

Selected startups attend 2 pitch coaching sessions. These are mandatory. No coaching = no pitch slot.

What Happens After You Apply

From Application
to the Stage

1
Apply
Submit your application by June 17
2
Review
Exoasia + partners screen all submissions
3
Selected
10 startups notified by June 18
4
Coaching
2 pitch coaching sessions Jun 18–19
5
Demo Day
Pitch live at SMX — June 20
6
Deal Room
1:1 investor introductions after pitches

Ready to Join?

Apply for Demo Day

10 slots available. Pitch live at SMX on June 20 in front of Philippine investors at Philippine Blockchain Week.

Demo Day · June 20 · SMX

Apply for Demo Day

Pitch live at SMX on June 20 in front of investors at Philippine Blockchain Week. 10 slots. Application deadline: June 17, 2026.

  • Live pitch to investors — June 20, SMX
  • 2 pitch coaching sessions included
  • Deal Room — 1:1 investor intros
Apply for Demo Day

Deadline: June 17, 2026 · 10 slots · Selected by June 18, 2026