FAQs

What are the qualifications?

  • Your company must be incorporated / in operation fewer than three years.
  • Your company must not be funded by a technology company.
  • A company may exhibit for a maximum of two years.
  • Prior RTN Start-Up Alley winners are not eligible.

Proof of eligibility required. 

How many companies get selected?
Our judges select 15 semi-finalists to showcase live in RTN's Start-Up Alley at MURTEC 2024.

What are the fees?

The non-refundable application fee is $200. This fee will put your company and nomination in front of our judges for preliminary consideration. This fee does not guarantee placement in Start-Up Alley. If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you will be eligible for a spot in Start-Up Alley, and your $200 application fee will be credited towards your entry fees. 

If you are NOT selected to be at RTN’s Start-Up Alley for MURTEC 2024, you will have the option to apply your $200 application fee to join the RTN community as a Start-Up Member. 

If selected, the RTN Start-Up Alley participant fee to join us at MURTEC 2024 is $4,800. The fee includes:

  • One year of RTN Start-Up Membership (Current RTN Members: $4,800 fee includes your RTN 2024 Start-Up Membership renewal. Your renewal will start when current RTN membership expires.)

  • Official Start-Up Alley Exhibit at MURTEC 2024

  • Two Conference Passes to attend MURTEC 2024

  • Exclusive opportunity to Pitch to Top Restaurant Judges

  • Top three Start-Ups will appear on stage to compete in front of the entire MURTEC 2024 audience. 
     

How does the judging work? 
The judges will evaluate the submissions and narrow the field down to the top semi-finalists, who will then be offered the coveted spots to participate in RTN's Start-Up Alley. 

At the live event, the judges will tour Start-Up Alley and experience fast-pitch demos from every contestant. The judges will use a specialized scorecard and strategic deliberation to collaboratively decide on the Top 3. 

Check out our judges here.

 

 

What is my exhibit space like?
The exhibit is a 30" high-top table inside the MURTEC pre-function corridor. Tables will be assigned by MURTEC and will include signage with your company logo.

Any other literature, laptops or equipment must fit on the highboy table. 110v power will be provided at your table upon request at no additional charge. Standard hotel WiFi will be available. 

What happens if I am in the Top 3?
The judges will narrow down the semi-finalists to the top 3 – those hot start-ups will take the MURTEC Main Stage where they will be asked questions by the judges. MURTEC attendees will cast their votes for the winner of Start-Up Alley at MURTEC 2024! The winning company will be featured in Hospitality Technology magazine and RTN!

Check out last year’s top 3 pitches live from the MURTEC stage!

 

Questions?
Feel free to direct any questions to info@restauranttechnologynetwork.com.