Supernova 0X

Participate for the Chance to win from a Cash Prize Pool of $200,000 Equity-Free!

The World's Largest Startup Pitch Competition!

Supernova 0X
No Noise. Just Deals.

From first prototype to market expansion, Supernova 0X is the global pitch competition at Expand North Star 2026, rebuilt for how startups actually scale.

Now structured by venture stage, this format connects founders with the right investors, at the right time. No mismatches. No distractions. Just real opportunities to raise, partner and grow.

What’s New in 2026

Supernova 0X introduces a stage-based competition format:
  • Pre-Seed: Early innovation, MVP-stage startups
  • Seed: Market-ready products with traction
  • Series A: Scaling companies with proven growth

Each category is judged independently, ensuring fair comparison, sharper evaluation, and better investment alignment.

ENS26 Backers Pitch

No founders. No fluff. Just backers pitching deals.

Backers Pitch puts investors on stage to present the deals they’ve already backed. It’s a high-pressure, high-signal format where opportunities are tested in real time, and other investors decide instantly whether to lean in or walk away.

The outcome: only the most compelling startups move forward into the dealroom for serious follow-up.

Why It Matters

  • Investors can target startups based on cheque size
  • Founders pitch in relevant competitive groups
  • Every interaction is designed for real deals, not exposure

Cash Prizes & Growth Opportunities

Pre-Seed Winner

Mentorship & Business Setup Services

Seed Winner

Growth Package including:

  • Mentorship
  • Software & cloud credits
  • Business support services

Series A Winner

  • Introductions to 5 potential buyers
  • 1-to-1 meetings with UAE market access partners
  • 1 sponsored startup pod at an international GITEX
  • Post-Event Marketing and PR exposure including blog article and interview
  • Business Support Services
  • International scaling package with 3 sponsored startup pod to 3 international GITEX events 

2026 Supernova Timeline

May 1

Applications Open

Nov 2

Final Deadline

Dec 1

Semi-Finalists Announced

Dec 8–9

Semi-Finals at Expand North Star

Dec 10

Award Ceremony

FAQs

Startups that meet the required funding stage criteria and can provide supporting documentation.

Pre-Seed: MVP or prototype, <$250K raised

Seed: Product in market, $250K–$3M raised

Series A: $3M–$15M raised with proven traction

Applications are reviewed by an internal committee based on:

  • Market opportunity
  • Product differentiation
  • Traction
  • Team strength
  • Business model

 

Pre-Seed & Seed: 3 min pitch + 2 min Q&A

Series A: 2 min pitch + 4 min Q&A

Winners are selected directly from the semi-finals, no finals round.

Startups that book a pod at Expand North Star are automatically eligible to enter.

It is built around investment stages, ensuring better alignment between startups and investors — and increasing the chances of real deals.

You can still engage with investors and a wider audience. A waitlist is maintained for last-minute changes.

DAY 1 – PRE-SEED SEMI-FINALS – 20 startups

Pitch Format

  • Pitch: 3 minutes
  • Judge Q&A: 2 minutes
  • Total: 5 minutes per startup

DAY 1 – SEED SEMI-FINALS – 20 startups

Pitch Format

  • Pitch: 3 minutes
  • Judge Q&A: 2 minutes
  • Total: 5 minutes per startup

DAY2– SERIES A SEMI-FINALS – 20 startups

Pitch Format

  • Pitch: 2 minutes
  • Judge Q&A: 4 minutes
  • Total: 6 minutes per startup

Through the application on the e-zone, you will be asked to share verifiable proof of your funding round which could be an official announcement, a listing in a reputable database, investor confirmation.

Your pitch deck should clearly include the problem you're solving, your solution, business model, market, traction, and team. Here is a good reference for you: How to structure your pitch deck

Your 60 second pitch video should clearly convey your startup’s purpose, the problem you're solving and why it matters - no jargon, just clarity and confidence. Aim to spark curiosity and make investors want to hear more.

The video must not be more than 60 seconds - submissions longer than this will NOT BE CONSIDERED. It must be in English and clearly show your upper body (sitting or standing). Submit your video via YouTube or Vimeo URL.

Reference video: The 1 minute Pitch - Keep it Simple

No. Each year there is a new selection process. If you miss your pitch, your spot will be given to the next runner-up.

You’ll be contacted by the team within one week of the event to arrange your prize and next steps.

While we’re unable to provide individual feedback due to the high volume of applications, please know that every submission is carefully reviewed by our judging panel. We truly value the effort behind your application.