pitch competition

Ruby Runway

Bring your Ruby-powered startup to the main stage.

Ruby Runway is Ruby Central’s first-ever global pitch competition for early-stage startups built with Ruby. We are creating a dedicated platform for founders who are using Ruby to solve real problems, build sustainable products, and shape the future of our ecosystem.
If you’re building with Ruby, this is your moment to step into the spotlight.

RubyConf is launching Ruby Runway, our first-ever global pitch competition for startups built on Ruby and raising under $500K. This high-visibility program will spotlight some of the most innovative Ruby-powered ventures from around the world.

What is Ruby Runway?

    Ruby Runway is a multi-region, multi-round pitch competition that:

  • Spotlights early-stage startups using Ruby as a core technology
  • Connects founders with a global Ruby audience, mentors, and potential partners
  • Provides structured feedback from experienced judges and community leaders
  • Culminates in a live, on-stage final at RubyConf 2026 in Las Vegas

Teams will present their full pitch and demo at the final stage competition held live at RubyConf in Las Vegas, where submissions will be evaluated and winners selected.

Prizes, recognition, and visibility are designed to help founders build momentum and grow.

Who Should Apply

    Ruby Runway is designed for:

  • Early-stage startups built with Ruby
  • Teams that have raised less than $500K in total funding
  • Founders who are ready for feedback, visibility, and growth
  • Independent developers and small teams building serious products

    You might be:

  • Building a developer tool or infrastructure product
  • Launching a B2B or B2C platform
  • Working on AI, data, security, or automation powered by Ruby
  • Creating tools that strengthen the Ruby ecosystem itself
  • Exploring a new idea or product area where Ruby doesn’t fit neatly into a category but showcases Ruby in a compelling way

    • If Ruby is central to what you are building and you are ready to share it with the world, we want to hear from you.

Why Participate?

Ruby Runway is not just about winning a prize, it is about accelerating your journey.

    By participating, founders gain:

  • Visibility – Present your work to the global Ruby community.
  • Credibility – Be selected as a semifinalist or finalist in a curated competition.
  • Feedback – Receive input from judges with experience in engineering, product, and startup growth.
  • Community – Join a cohort of builders who are also pushing Ruby into new spaces.
  • Opportunity – Finalists pitch live at RubyConf 2026 with hundreds of developers watching.

eligibility/criteria

    To participate in Ruby Runway, startups must:

  • Use Ruby as a core technology in their product or platform
  • Have raised less than $500,000 USD in total funding to date
  • Be legally incorporated (or equivalent in their jurisdiction)
  • Have at least one team member able to attend RubyConf 2026 in person if selected as a finalist

judges will consider:

  • Clarity of the problem and solution
  • Use of Ruby in a meaningful or innovative way
  • Product maturity and roadmap (appropriate to stage)
  • Business or impact potential
  • Quality of the pitch and communication

Important dates

Pitch Competition Applications Open: NOW OPEN

Those applying have several submission tasks ahead. You can use this info sheet to help guide and track your application submission progress.

Applications Close: April 17, 2026

There will be no late submissions accepted. April 17, 2026 at 11:59PM Eastern Time (USA) will be the cut off for submissions.

Reviewer Period: April 18 – May 16, 2026

Screeners and Judges will be reviewing all submissions. You’ll be notified of your status by mid-May.

Finalists Announced: May 17 - June 6, 2026

Ruby Runway Finals at RubyConf 2026:

July 15, 2026 — Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas, NV

Awards & Recognition

ruby runway will include:

  • 1st Place -ruby runway champion
  • 2st Place
  • 3rd Place
  • Attendee Choice Award (live in-person voting during the RubyConf final)

finalists will receive:

  • On-stage visibility at RubyConf 2026
  • Recognition across Ruby Central channels and community platforms
  • Judge feedback and potential introductions to mentors or partners

Specific prize details (cash awards, in-kind support, and sponsor-powered benefits) will be announced closer to the event.

strut your stuff down the Ruby Runway!!

We know we have some incredible unicorns in this community that are ready to showcase their passion projects to the world! 

Applications open December 29, 2025.

Founders and teams will submit

(details on the form)

  • A brief written application
  • An Executive Summary 
  • A short product or concept overview
  • A description of how Ruby is used
  • A short pitch deck or overview document
  • A short pitch video
apply to ruby runway

volunteer as a judge or reviewer

We’re inviting community members to volunteer as Reviewers or Judges to help support a fair and engaging competition experience. These roles are fully volunteer-based and play an important part in our selection process.

We are looking for people with experience in:

  • Ruby and software engineering
  • Product leadership
  • Startup, investing, or entrepreneurship
  • Open source and community leadership

reviewers:

Screen and score written applications

judges

Evaluate live pitches during regional semifinals and the RubyConf final.

Volunteer as a Reviewer or Judge