PTC NextWave

Where the next generation of digital infrastructure companies step into the room.

PTC NextWave is not an accelerator. It is not a startup expo. It is a highly selective program designed for a small cohort of emerging digital infrastructure companies that are ready to connect with the industry at the highest level.

Each year, a curated group of founders joins the PTC ecosystem, gaining direct access to operators, investors, infrastructure owners, and strategic partners from across the globe. They don’t pitch on the sidelines. They sit inside the conversations that matter.
Introduction to PTC NextWave with Brian Moon and Naaz Bax.
Play Videovideo previewPlay Video
Who should apply

Is this you?

PTC NextWave is for founders and early-stage companies operating at the frontier of digital infrastructure. You might be building in:
Subsea & Ocean Technology
Data Center & Compute Infrastructure
Satellite & Non-Terrestrial Networks
Network & Connectivity Platforms
AI & Network Intelligence
Security, Fraud & Trust
Edge & Distributed Infrastructure
Sustainability & Energy

To apply, your company should be:

Pacific-region presence or focus is preferred, but founders from anywhere in the world are welcome to apply.
  • ✓Founded within the last 3 years
  • ✓Post-product. You’re building and shipping, not just planning
  • ✓Operating within the digital infrastructure ecosystem
  • ✓Able to demonstrate early traction: customers, pilots, revenue, or partnerships
  • ✓Able to attend PTC’27, Honolulu (January 2027)
What participating companies receive

This is access, not exposure.

PTC NextWave cohort companies are integrated into PTC’27, not positioned alongside it. Here is what that looks like in practice.

Direct access to operators, investors, and infrastructure leaders

Structured meetings, roundtables, and curated introductions throughout the conference.

Strategic mentorship

Access to senior mentors and advisors from across the PTC ecosystem.

A pre-conference pitch workshop

A 30-minute coaching session with a Barstool Pitch judge or investor before the conference begins.

A Lightning Talks slot

Present in front of the full conference audience and build your profile in the room.

Barstool Pitch

Finalists from the cohort compete at the iconic Tapa Bar stage on Monday afternoon.

Visibility and credibility

Featured on ptc.org and promoted through PTC communications throughout the program.

Barstool Pitch

Your shot at the Barstool Pitch.

The Barstool Pitch is PTC’s high-stakes startup competition held at the Tapa Bar stage during the Annual Conference, in front of investors, operators, and industry leaders from around the world.

PTC NextWave finalists earn their place on that stage. Four companies from the cohort will be selected to pitch, competing for a full year of PTC membership, exclusive meeting space, and the kind of visibility that changes trajectories.

Learn more about the Barstool Pitch
How it works

Simple. Selective. High-impact.

Step 1

Apply

Submit your application online. Tell us about your company, your traction, and what you want from the PTC ecosystem.

Step 2

Be reviewed

Applications are reviewed by the PTC NextWave committee and a panel of investors and industry leaders.

Step 3

Join the cohort

A select group of 8 companies are invited to join the inaugural PTC NextWave cohort.

Step 4

Prepare

Attend a pre-conference pitch coaching session and get ready for your Lightning Talks slot.

Step 5

Make your mark

Take the stage. Meet the people who matter. And if you make the finals, pitch at the Barstool.

Application timeline

Applications open on 1 September 2026.

1 September 2026

Applications open

→

31 October 2026

Application deadline

→

December 2026

Cohort announced

→

January 2027

PTC’27, Honolulu

Take your place in the next wave.

Eight companies will join the inaugural cohort.
Applications close 31 October 2026.

Questions? Contact events@ptc.org

Apply Now

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Part A - Company Information

Please enter a number from 1900 to 2027.
Select the sector that best describes your company.
Select a secondary sector only if it genuinely applies.
What is the current stage of your company?(Required)

Part B - Product & Traction

300 words maximum. What problem are you solving? What is your product or platform? Who are your customers?
200 words maximum. What makes your approach unique? Why now?
200 words maximum. Include customers, revenue, pilots, partnerships, or other measurable milestones. Be specific.
150 words maximum. Include founding date, headcount, and any key hires or advisors.

Part C - Strategic Fit & Pacific Relevance

200 words maximum. What do you hope to gain from the program and the PTC ecosystem?
200 words maximum. This could include operations, customers, partnerships, or the nature of your technology.
150 words maximum. This helps us match you with the right operators, investors, and partners.

Part D - Supporting Materials

Drop files here or
Accepted file types: pdf, ppt, pptx, key, Max. file size: 5 MB.
    PDF preferred. Maximum 20 slides, 5MB.
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf, ppt, pptx, key, doc, docx, png, jpg, Max. file size: 5 MB, Max. files: 2.
      Optional. This could include a product demo link, press coverage, investor deck, or case study. Maximum 2 files.