Moonshot Brings Pitch Competition Back to Prescott, Features Innovators in Flagstaff during Tech Week
“We create pathways for innovative ideas to become thriving businesses.”
Moonshot, in partnership with Yavapai College SBDC and the Yavapai Regional Economic Development Center (REDC), has announced the return of its Rural Arizona Pitch Competition to Prescott April 2-8, 2026, at Yavapai College Building 19.
This year's competition focuses on innovation and is part of Moonshot's 7th Annual Rural Arizona Pitch Tour, which visits 20 rural communities. Entrepreneurs with “moonshot” ideas — whether fully launched businesses or concepts scribbled on napkins — can compete for local prize money and the chance to represent Prescott at October's state finals in Phoenix.
The two-day format features preliminary rounds from 9am to 3pm, Thursday, April 2, with semifinalists announced that day. Finals are scheduled for 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, as part of Prescott's AZ Tech Week agenda, open to the public.
All participants will receive a free Moonshot membership, worth $5,000, providing mentorship, educational programs and investor access.
“This competition energizes our entrepreneurial ecosystem and showcases the innovative spirit that drives Yavapai County's economic future,” said Vincent Redgrave, REDC Executive Director.
“Rural Arizona entrepreneurs deserve the same opportunities as their urban counterparts,” said Moonshot President and CEO Scott Hathcock. “We create pathways for innovative ideas to become thriving businesses.”
To apply for the pitch competition, visit https://www.moonshotazpitch.com/quad-cities.
Innovation with a height in Flagstaff
Meanwhile, Moonshot will feature five prominent industry leaders and six startup founders when it convenes April 7 for innovation with a height at Lowell Observatory during Arizona Tech Week.
The speaker lineup includes Steve Reese, an award-winning technology executive; Eric Parker, co-founder of Make Startups and CofounderOS; Amy JoAnne Wolkowinsky, a civic and climate leader; Scott McDonald, podcaster and industry expert at Capital Allocators; and Eduardo Gonzalez, who specializes in cross-border collaboration and manufacturing.
Six founders will pitch their startups during the event. Whitney Slightham will present Ateleva, a biotech company, while Kyle Montgomery will showcase Generous, a consumer technology company. Ghonhee Lee will pitch Katalyst Space, focused on space technology and Cristy Salanga will present High Entropy Security, a cybersecurity company. Ashley Heida will introduce Analytical Mineset, a data technology company; and Nathan Friedman will present Hemasense, another biotech venture.
Sponsored by the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Tech Week includes events throughout the state, spotlighting innovators in various disciplines. FBN
