Global Deep Tech Battle @ CES 2027

The Global Deep Tech Battle @ CES 2027 is a pitch contest run by swisstech, a public-private Swiss initiative, and entries close on 16 November 2026 (end of day in India). This is an in-person event: selected teams pitch live in front of a jury at the swisstech Pavilion at CES in Las Vegas on 6 and 7 January 2027. Each of the four battles has one winner, and each winner receives a US$3,000 (about ₹2.85 lakh) cash prize.

The rules do not set a country limit, so an Indian deep-tech startup can apply. The catch is that the contest does not provide entry tickets and only startups attending the event are eligible, so you need your own way of getting to CES.

What the program offers

Four battles are held, one per sector: Robotics, HealthTech, CleanTech and Consumer Electronics. The winner of each battle takes home US$3,000 (about ₹2.85 lakh) in cash. The official page also mentions visibility and opportunities to scale up your startup. The rules add that contestants compete for cash prizes and extra benefits such as mentorship, consulting hours and gift prizes, but they say prizes may vary by edition and will be communicated to participants in advance.

Robotics and HealthTech are on 6 January; CleanTech and Consumer Electronics are on 7 January. The sources do not say how the prize money is paid, or what it may be spent on.

Who can apply

The startup must operate in deep tech and belong to one of the sectors chosen for the edition, which for CES 2027 are the four battle sectors above. The company must be legally incorporated and must have a minimum viable product or a prototype ready to demonstrate. The team names one representative to deliver the pitch. People who work for or represent the organizing committee or the jury cannot enter.

For an Indian founder, this means you need an incorporated company, a working prototype and a confirmed plan to be in Las Vegas in January. It suits teams already exhibiting at or visiting CES, not teams with no way of travelling.

How to apply

1. Make sure your team will be at CES 2027 in Las Vegas.
2. Open the official sign-up form linked from the swisstech event page and register in the sector that fits your product.
3. Prepare your pitch using the templates provided by the organizer. The rules say it should cover your vision, the problem or opportunity, your solution and unique advantage, your business model and go-to-market plan, your team, your traction and what you are asking for.
4. Submit the form with your pitch before the 16 November 2026 deadline.
5. Wait for the pre-selection decision. Startups that are chosen are invited to pitch live at the event.

The organizers can move you to a different sector if another fits better, and can reject incomplete applications.

How applications are judged and what happens next

A pre-selection committee reviews all applications on innovation, market potential and scalability. Chosen startups then pitch live for 3 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of questions from an international jury of at least three people, made up of investors, media representatives, corporate partners and industry experts. The criteria may include maturity, innovation and deep-tech potential, clarity of the value proposition and presentation quality.

After the pitch round, up to two startups per category may be called back for a further 2-minute question round, and that round decides the category winner. Jury decisions are final and cannot be contested. The sources do not say when pre-selection results are sent out.

About swisstech

swisstech describes itself as the platform about Swiss innovation. The rules call it a public-private Swiss initiative, and its site credits Presence Switzerland, part of the Swiss foreign ministry. The Global Deep Tech Battle is a pitch contest it runs at major tech events, to connect innovators with investors, corporates and ecosystem partners.

Things to check before you apply

• Travel: the sources do not say who pays for travel, accommodation or the CES pass, so plan to cover them yourself unless the organizers tell you otherwise.
• Fee: no entry fee is mentioned, but the sources also do not say that entry is free.
• Rights: you keep your intellectual property, but you give the organizers permission to use your name, logo and pitch content to promote the event. The event may be recorded or broadcast, so do not reveal sensitive information in your pitch.
• Changes: the organizers may change the rules, judging criteria or schedule at any time, and by registering you accept the rules.
• A practical tip: read the full rules document linked from the event page and rehearse your pitch to fit exactly 3 minutes, because the time limit is firm.