TiE Houston and Hatch Pitch Launch TiE Hatch Pitch at TiEcon Texas 2026 - "The Future Runs on Automation"
If you’re a founder building in the automation space, come to Houston's The Ion, October 28–29, for expert coaching, a live stage, and direct access to investors.
HOUSTON, Texas - September 23, 2026 - TiE Houston and Hatch Pitch today announced TiE Hatch Pitch, a founder-first pitch competition anchoring Day One of TiEcon Texas 2026 at The Ion in Houston. Themed "The Future Runs on Automation," the two-day conference brings together the founders, investors, and industry leaders building intelligent automation across energy, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, aerospace, defense, mobility, and enterprise AI.
On October 28 curated founders will pitch live in front of investors and an engaged audience; everyone can vote on the winners. Selected founders receive expert coaching before they take the stage -- a Hatch Pitch hallmark -- and gain access to a Startup Showcase; exclusive founder-investor networking; and capital deployment lounges. October 29 is Enterprise Day, with keynotes, fireside chats, industry panels, and enterprise conversations built for operators and leaders.
" The future of automation is being built today, and Texas is emerging as a global hub for many of those breakthroughs," said Somesh Singh, President, TiE Houston. "Advancing entrepreneurship is at the heart of TiE Houston's mission, and TiE Hatch Pitch exemplifies that commitment by connecting visionary founders with the mentorship, capital, and strategic relationships they need to build the next generation of transformative companies and create lasting economic impact."
"Hatch Pitch has always believed that founders can improve regardless of their starting point. The coaching is the differentiator, not an add-on," said Greg Wright, Founder, Hatch Pitch. "Partnering with TiE lets us put the philosophy that we have honed for years at SXSW onto the Houston stage."
Applications for TiE Hatch Pitch are open now and submitting is free. Startups worldwide are eligible to apply at https://www.hatchpitch.com/tietx26.
Applications are open through September 25, 2026.
This is the first time founders will have access both to TiE's global entrepreneurial network which spans 64 locations across 5 continents and Hatch Pitch's founder-first showcase and coaching model, which has produced livestreamed hybrid pitch competitions and coaching programs for founders, investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem builders.
To learn more or apply, visit https://www.hatchpitch.com/tietx26. Conference and registration details are available at https://www.tiecontexas.org/.
About Hatch Pitch
Hatch Pitch is a founder-first startup showcase and coaching platform producing livestreamed hybrid pitch competitions, virtual and in-person coaching programs, and community events. Its model pairs expert coaching with a polished stage experience, helping founders sharpen their pitch and connect with the investors, partners, and ecosystem builders who move startups forward. Over its 14 years of coaching, participants have gone on to raise over $20B in funding and exits.
About TiE Houston
TiE Houston is the Houston chapter of TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), a global nonprofit entrepreneurship network spanning 64 locations across 5 continents. TiE Houston connects founders, investors, and industry leaders through programs, mentorship, and events that strengthen the Texas innovation ecosystem.