Deadline: February 18, 2026
Snowflake and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) have launched the 2026 Snowflake Startup Challenge, a global competition inviting early-stage startups from around the world to build innovative AI applications powered by Snowflake’s Data Cloud for a chance to win up to $1 million in investments, mentorship, and the opportunity to ring the NYSE Bell.
The Snowflake Startup Challenge is a contest for early-stage startups that are building innovative applications and products powered by Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud. Participants must build an application that is dependent on Snowflake as a core part of its architecture and submit a demo video and a description of their application before the deadline. Semifinalists will be required to submit an investor-pitch video recording and provide access to their application. Eligible entities must have less than $5 million in cash funding and not have received any cash funding through the sale of equity securities, including a Series A or other priced round of funding.
The Snowflake Startup Challenge 2026 once again brings together Snowflake and the NYSE to inspire and empower the next generation of AI-driven innovators. This unique competition highlights the transformative potential of data cloud technology by providing early-stage startups with the platform, exposure, and resources to accelerate their business growth. Participants gain an opportunity to showcase their creativity and technical expertise by developing an application that integrates deeply with Snowflake’s powerful AI Data Cloud.
The challenge offers exceptional rewards that extend beyond financial support. Semifinalists will receive recognition through a dedicated blog feature about their team and application. Finalists stand to gain up to $250,000 in potential investments, presentation opportunities at the Snowflake Summit, and direct mentorship from an industry leader at a company listed on the NYSE. The grand prize winner will receive up to $500,000 in investments, additional marketing exposure through Snowflake and the NYSE, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of ringing the NYSE Bell.
For more information, visit Snowflake.
