Startup Spotlight Opportunity

Apply to Participate in the TechLearn 2026 Startup Spotlight

Purpose of TechLearn 2026 Startup Spotlight

Training magazine recognizes the need for entrepreneurs to help drive the transformation taking place in corporate L&D and talent management — largely spurred on by AI. To that end, Training magazine is creating an in-person opportunity about its conference to promote innovative startups — to both assist the startups to gain valuable market exposure, as well as to help Training magazine's audience be educated about the latest innovations in learning technology. This effort positions Training magazine as a leader in recognizing the value of innovation in today's market environment.

About the TechLearn 2026 Startup Spotlight

The Startup Alley takes place during Training Magazine's Annual TechLearn 2026 Conference & Expo, September 15-17, at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, Texas. Startups apply for inclusion in the program. There is a committee that reviews and accepts applicants.

APPLICATION DEADLINE TO: FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026 (no application fee required)
STARTUP SPOTLIGHT PARTICIPATION FEE: $1500 (if accepted; see below for details)

Benefits of Participating in the Startup Spotlight at TechLearn2026

Successful applicants will pay a reduced registration/sponsorship fee of $1,500 (and cover their own travel and hotel expenses), and will receive the following benefits:

Inclusion in Startup Spotlight dedicated page and sponsor page in conference website.
Inclusion in Startup Spotlight promotional emails for the overall conference.
Inclusion in the printed event guide and on-site signage at the conference.
One TechLearn 2026 Conference registration ($1,895 value; bring up to one additional colleague for $750). Registration includes a welcome reception, beverage/snack breaks, two lunches, and a closing reception.
Opportunity to pitch your value prop and demo your product in a shared breakout session with a Shark Tank format. One Startup Spotlight breakout session will be held each day (September 16 and 17) with different companies participating each day in the shared session.
Opportunity to demo your product during a moderated Training Magazine Network webinar after the conference (typical attendee registration ranges from 400-1000+).
Recognition as a Startup Spotlight company via Training magazine's social media.

Qualifications to Apply for the TechLearn 2026 Startup Spotlight

Must be a startup with a tech-specific product with a primary target market of corporate L&D customers.
Founding date must be after January 1, 2024.
Have raised less than $2M in outside capital.
Have at least one full-time employee.
Product must be at least in active beta with legitimate beta users.

Note: If you do not meet all of these qualifications but still want to be considered, please explain your exception request.

Questions about the Startup Spotlightat TechLearn 2026? Email us!

STARTUP SPOTLIGHT APPLICATION FORM

Contact First Name
Contact Last Name
Contact Email
Confirm Contact Email
Contact Cell Phone Number
Contact LinkedIn Profile

Startup Company Name [REQUIRED]

Startup Company Website [REQUIRED]

Startup Company LinkedIn Page [REQUIRED]

Startup Company Description [REQUIRED]

Words remaining:

Product Demo Video Link [REQUIRED]

Description of Target Markets [REQUIRED]

L&D must be a primary focus

Words remaining:

Founding Date [REQUIRED]

Must be after January 1, 2024

Amount Raised [REQUIRED]

Must be less than $2 million

Number of Full-Time Employees [REQUIRED]

Must have at least one full-time employee

clear selection

1-10

11-25

26-50

Why You Should Be Considered [REQUIRED]

Including if you do not meet one of these criteria, but still want to be considered.

Items remaining:

How did you hear about the TechLearn 2026 Startup Spotlight opportunity?

Items remaining:

Want more exposure than the Startup Spotlight? Consider becoming an Innovations in Training Test Kitchen Demo Sponsor at TechLearn 2026!

If you know you do not meet the eligibility requirements above and/or you would like to have a broader presence at TechLearn 2026, please consider these other sponsorship opportunities, including the Innovations in Test Kitchen Demo Sponsorship (priced at $3,750, including one conference registration). For more information, contact Sharon Steeley, Training magazine's director of marketing and business development.