The Startup Competition and Trade Show provides an opportunity for selected startups and small companies to showcase their innovations in the fields of sports-related technologies, products, and services. This year, the SSAC Startup Competition and Trade Show offers two tracks: (1) Fan Experience and (2) Competition and Performance. Those that are selected by the SSAC committee will have the opportunity to present their products and/or services to potential customers, business partners, investors, and employees. The winner of each track will receive a $3,000 cash prize.

In order to participate in the startup competition and trade show companies must meet the following criteria:
- Will pay the entry fee to participate ($1,500)
- Have not raised over $15 million, as of date of application
- Have participated in one or fewer MIT SSAC Startup Competition & Trade Shows
- Founders of the applying company retain some portion of ownership in the company