SelectUSA Tech

The SelectUSA Tech program serves eligible international tech startups developing innovative technology products/services and planning to expand to the U.S. market within the next 2-3 years. 

We provide services to support their U.S. expansion efforts and create space for them to make connections to the U.S. startup ecosystem.
 

Eligibility Criteria

To engage with SelectUSA Tech, startups must be:

  • Founded outside the United States, and
  • Developing an innovative technology product or service (a new technology, and/or delivering an existing technology to a market in new ways), and
  • Looking to the United States for market-entry or growth within the next 2-3 years.

SelectUSA Tech startups must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • 0-10 years old (Founded on/after January 1, 2015)
  • 0-40 employees
  • $0-10M in annual revenue
     

2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit

The Investment Summit provided invaluable networking opportunities, allowing us to connect with numerous individuals and organizations. Remarkably, some of the judges remain in touch, offering support and guidance as we continue our journey.
- 2024 Participant

The 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit was the best Investment Summit yet. The quality of the tech startups and pitches by far exceeded my expectations. The event was a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and deepen relationships in the FDI industry.
- 2024 Participant


The 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit will feature exciting opportunities and programming, including: 

  • Informational sessions on investment trends and opportunities in key industry subsectors, and more 
  • Tech industry pitching sessions featuring selected applicants, a panel of judges, and an audience
  • Networking opportunities: 
    • in the SelectUSA Tech Lounge in the Exhibition Hall, 
    • in industry networking sessions, and
    • on the SelectUSA ShoApp, and
  • Exclusive opportunities for Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network participants
     

Select Global Women in Tech

SelectUSA Tech has a dedicated program for international women founders, entrepreneurs, and executives in tech, called Select Global Women in Tech (SGWIT).

The SGWIT Mentorship Network is a yearlong program that formally launches at the Investment Summit.

Visit our Select Global Women in Tech page to learn more.

 

How to Apply to Attend the Investment Summit

Eligible tech startups interested in attending the Investment Summit can apply using the SelectUSA Tech registration type, which includes a special registration rate. Additional details are available on the Investment Summit application.

Representatives of the U.S. Startup Ecosystem may qualify for a special rate to participate in the Investment Summit. To apply, email SUSAEvents@trade.gov.
 

Pitching Sessions at the Investment Summit

Eligible SelectUSA Tech participants have the opportunity to apply to pitch in sessions at the Investment Summit. SelectUSA Tech startups applying to pitch must also meet all the below additional criteria:

  • Business Stage: Early Stage or Growth Stage, and
  • Fundraising Stage: Seed or Series A or Beyond, and
  • Investment Development Stage: Focused Market Research, Site Selection, or Project Implementation at Selected Site.

The Investment Summit will feature the following industry pitching sessions: 

  • AgTech
  • CleanTech
  • HealthTech
  • ICT/Software
  • Open Tech
     

The 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit will also feature a World Finals Pitching Session. Winners from each pitching session will compete in one final round.

Selected tech startups in all pitching sessions will pitch in front of an audience of Investment Summit attendees and a panel of judges, which may include venture capitalists, corporate investors, representatives from startup ecosystems, and industry experts. All pitches are limited to six minutes, followed by three minutes of questions from the panel.
 

How to Apply to Pitch 

While completing your 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit application, you will be asked if you would like to apply to pitch in an industry session. Answer “yes” to this question to access the pitching application. A copy of the pitching application is available for your review and reference. 

To be considered, your complete Investment Summit application, including your application to pitch, must be submitted by March 27, 2025, at 12:00pm EDT.

Receiving approval to attend the Investment Summit does not guarantee a spot to pitch. 

Companies accepted to pitch will be notified in April 2025.
 

Year-Round Services

SelectUSA provides year-round services to support tech startups in their U.S. expansion efforts, including: 

  • Geographically neutral data and counseling services
  • Connections to federal agencies and our vast network of economic development organizations 
  • Networking opportunities, onsite at the Investment Summit, and through year-round programming
  • Access to the Select Global Women in Tech Mentorship Network (for women)

We create the space for SelectUSA Tech startups to make connections to the U.S. startup ecosystem, including with: 

  • service providers
  • support organizations (accelerators/ incubators)
  • universities/research organizations
  • funding organizations

While we create opportunities for connections to various organizations, we do not guarantee any connections or access to funding sources.