About the Event

In a world where inclusivity and accessibility are paramount, innovation becomes the cornerstone of progress. Welcome to Vista International Pitch Competition, an event designed to celebrate and support entrepreneurs who are dedicated to creating accessible solutions for people of all abilities.

DATE AND TIME

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
9:00 am – 1:00 pm

LOCATION

Vista Center
101 North Bascom Ave, San Jose, California

Why Attend?

The PitchAbility competition showcases entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions for people who are blind or have low vision. You’ll have an opportunity to discover emerging technologies, connect with founders, and support the advancement of accessibility. For the community, it’s a chance to engage with ideas and solutions that shape the future of inclusion.

Get in Early

Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or community member, PitchAbility offers a front-row seat to the next wave of inclusive innovation.

Discover Innovation

Explore emerging technologies designed to improve access for people who are blind or have low vision.

Meet the Founders

Connect directly with entrepreneurs building practical, inclusive solutions.

Support Inclusion

Engage with ideas and products that are shaping the future of accessibility.

See the Market Potential

Challenge the misconception that accessibility is a niche market — this sector is growing at 11.3% CAGR, with projected aggregated spending power of $13 trillion.

Sponsorship & Tickets

Stand with Vista Center to expand opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision. Your ticket and/or sponsorship directly supports programs that empower people who are blind or have low vision to live independently. Sponsor at the level that’s right for you/your company, every amount drives impact. Vista Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Sponsorships

Visionary

$5,000

  • Honorable mention at the event
  • Listing on all promotional materials
  • Your logo in 5 event e-blasts reaching over 4,000 individuals
  • 3 recognition posts on social media

Trailblazer

$2,500

  • Honorable mention at the event
  • Listing on all promotional materials
  • Your logo in 3 event e-blasts reaching over 4,000 individuals
  • 2 recognition posts on social media

Innovator

$1,000

  • Mention at the event
  • Listing on website
  • Your logo in 1 event e-blasts reaching over 4,000 individuals
  • 1 recognition post on social media

Connector

$500

  • Your name mentioned on social media and on the event webpage

ALLY

$250

  • Your name mentioned on the event webpage

Judging Criteria & Application

To provide comprehensive feedback and evaluate the potential of your venture, our judges will assess pitches based on the following criteria:

Clear and Empathetic Statement of the Problem/Solution

Does the solution demonstrate a deep understanding and empathy towards the target audience’s needs? 

Value Proposition/Validation for Customer

Is the value proposition compelling and evident? Have customer feedback or market research validated the product/solution? What unique advantages does it offer? 

Excellence in Team and Advisors

Does the entrepreneurial team have the necessary skills and experience? Have they attracted credible advisors that understand the marketplace to guide them? 

Go to Market or Growth Strategy

Is there a clear and realistic strategy to enter and capture the market or to grow your market share? Are there actionable steps and timelines? How does the venture position itself against competitors? 

Profit Potential

Is the profit potential clearly identified and realistic? Are the financial projections credible? 

Marketability of the Company

Is there a clear path to market success or potential for exit/acquisition, backed by a solid understanding of the venture’s financial needs?  

Don’t miss this opportunity to accelerate your journey towards success. We look forward to seeing you at Pitch Day and witnessing the innovative solutions you bring to the community.

APPLY NOW!

Application deadline is October 10th, 2025.

Host & Planning Committee

  • Anat Nulman

    Founder of Assistive.Consulting

  • Brian Coleman

    President, Coleman IP, Attorney and Start-Up Advisor

  • Catalina Reynolds

    Chief of Staff at Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

  • Grace Gervais

    Events and Development Manager at Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

  • Joel Dodson

    Experienced Blind Software Developer

  • John Giddings

    Adjunct Professor of Engineering and Start-up Advisor at Santa Clara University

  • Karae Lisle

    Chief Executive Officer at Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

  • Lea Berhane

    Chief Development Officer at Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

  • Maria Kyrarini

    Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Santa Clara University

  • Neeraj Gupta

    Associate Director of Corporate and Community Relations at Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

  • Richard Hart

    Broadcast Journalist

Contact Us

For questions or additional information, please contact Anat Nulman at anat@assistive.consulting or Grace Gervais at ggervais@vistacenter.org 

We’ll have volunteers on site to provide assistance if needed. If you require any additional accommodations to make your experience more enjoyable, please let us know.