Vista International Pitch Competition
Where Accessibility Meets Innovation
Technology Expo • Startup Showcase • Investor Forum
About the Event
In a world where inclusivity and accessibility are paramount, innovation becomes the cornerstone of progress. Welcome to PitchAbility: Vista International Pitch Competition, where accessibility meets innovation. PitchAbility brings together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and accessibility advocates to showcase groundbreaking accessible technologies and solutions. Through our Startup Showcase, Investor Forum, and Technology Expo, attendees can discover emerging ventures, connect with established companies exhibiting their products and services, and explore the future of accessibility innovation.
DATE AND TIME
Friday, September 25, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 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 Entrepreneurs
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.
Sponsorships, Exhibitor Fees & 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.
Event tickets and sponsorships can be purchased below.
Sponsorships & Exhibitor Fees
Sponsorship: Luminary
$20,000
- 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
Sponsorship: CATALYST
$10,000
- 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
Sponsorship: 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
Sponsorship: 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
Sponsorship: 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
Tickets
Interested in Pitching?
PitchAbility offers entrepreneurs and innovators developing products, services, and technologies that advance accessibility and inclusion the opportunity to showcase their work on a global stage.
Applications are Now Open
Apply to PitchAbility and showcase your innovation on Friday, September 25, 2026, either virtually or in person. Gain visibility among industry leaders and investors, connect with the accessibility community, and compete for recognition in PitchAbility.
Judging Criteria
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.
PitchAbility 2025
PitchAbility 2025 Winner
XR Navigation: Accessible digital maps with sound, text, and touch
Product:
An accessible digital mapping platform that enables blind and low-vision users to explore indoor and outdoor spaces using multimodal feedback—sound, text, and touch—to understand layout, routes, and points of interest.
Leadership:
Brandon Biggs, CEO & Co-Founder: Blind entrepreneur and PhD candidate creating inclusive navigation tech; co-founded Sonja Biggs Educational Services.
Chris Toth: CTO & Co-Founder: Blind engineer and creator of NVDA Remote; leads Audiom’s tech and accessibility development.
Learn more about XR Navigation here
PitchAbility 2025 Contestants
- 7sense
- Arovia
- Cleverfi
- Innosearch.AI
- Lighthouse
- Oculosense
- Prism
- SightSense.AI
- Tandem Design Co
- Thinkerbell Lab
- VAR eyes
- ViddyScribe
- WeMoveOn
- XThings
- XR Navigation
PitchAbility 2024 Winner
Lotus: A wearable ring that controls objects at home by pointing
Product:
For people with limited mobility Lotus has built a patented wearable ring that controls objects at home by pointing. Control lights, fans, appliances, even the TV – no rewiring, no apps, no internet.
Leadership:
Dhaval Patel, Founder & CEO of Lotus Laboratories
Learn more about Lotus here
Host & Planning Committee
Joel Dodson
Software Developer
Ethan Fung
Chair, Next Gen Board
Vista Center
Grace Gervais
Events and Development Manager at
Vista Center
John Giddings
Adjunct Professor, Engineering and Start-up Advisor at Santa Clara University
Neeraj Gupta
Assoc. Dir, Corp. & Community Relations
Vista Center
Spencer Johnson
Former Tech. Manager
Amazon
Maria Kyrarini, PhD
Assist. Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering at Santa Clara University
Karae Lisle
Chief Executive Officer
Vista Center
Rhyan Lynn
Assist. Technology Manager
Vista Center
Anat Nulman, Executive Producer
Founder
Assistive.Consulting
Catalina Reynolds
Chief Operating Officer
Vista Center
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.