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KPMG Tech Innovator in the US

Introducing the world to bold innovations that are helping to reshape the future.

Make bold moves

If the 2026 KPMG Tech Innovator in the US competition proved anything, it’s that the future isn’t coming, it’s already here.

This year's competition finals, which took place August 19, 2026, showcased an extraordinary group of 12 innovative companies tackling some of the world's biggest challenges across AI, fintech, healthcare, sustainability, mobility, infrastructure, housing, quantum computing, and enterprise software. From AI-powered fraud detection and autonomous finance operations to next-generation healthcare diagnostics and clean energy infrastructure, the competition demonstrated the incredible breadth of innovation being built today.

The energy throughout the competition was electric as founders pitched transformative solutions, engaged in thought-provoking discussions with an accomplished panel of judges, and competed for the opportunity to represent the United States on the global stage.

Big Ideas, Bold Pitches, Breakthrough Moments

  • 12 groundbreaking finalists earned their place in the national Finals after standing out among hundreds of applicants.
  • Founders presented innovations spanning:
    • AI-driven financial automation and tax compliance
    • Healthcare and life sciences breakthroughs
    • Sustainable housing and renewable energy solutions
    • Quantum computing infrastructure
    • Next-generation fintech, commerce, and developer platforms
  • Judges brought expertise from venture capital, entrepreneurship, and technology to challenge founders on growth strategy, scalability, market opportunity, and execution.
  • The event featured inspiring insights from previous Tech Innovator in the US winner Harald Collet of Alchemy, who shared lessons from scaling a global technology company and competing on the international stage.
Sphere Logo

Congratulations to the 2026 Tech Innovator Winner: Sphere

After an impressive day of competition, Nick Rudder and Sphere were named the winners of the 2026 KPMG Tech Innovator in the US competition. Sphere impressed judges with its AI-native platform designed to automate cross-border tax compliance and help companies navigate sales tax, VAT, GST, e-invoicing, and other global compliance requirements across more than 100 jurisdictions.

Sphere's vision of making global commerce as seamless as local commerce earned it the distinction of representing the US at the global competition in Lisbon.

Congratulations to Nick and the entire Sphere team on this remarkable achievement. The US competition showcased some of the best entrepreneurial talent and innovation in the country, and Sphere now carries that momentum onto the world stage.

We wish Nick and Sphere the very best as they travel to Lisbon to compete against top innovators from around the globe and represent the US at the KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition.

Ready for 2027?

Think your company could be the next breakthrough success story?

The 2026 competition raised the bar, bringing together visionary founders, game-changing technologies, and industry-leading judges. If you're building a technology company that's redefining what's possible, 2027 could be your year.

Whether you're transforming industries with AI, reinventing healthcare, advancing sustainability, or solving problems no one else can, the KPMG Tech Innovator in the US competition offers the opportunity to showcase your vision, connect with influential leaders, and take your company from national recognition to the global stage.

Click here and select Tech Innovator Competition to receive 2027 competition updates and an invitation to apply once applications open.

Meet the 2026 Tech Innovator in the US Finalists

Azure Printed Homes

Dispension America Inc.

Heka Global Inc.

Nimblemind, Inc.

Oaken

Odynn, Corp.

PONS Inc

Prosperous Commerce Inc

Quantum Elements Inc.

Radicle Science Inc.

Southern Beams Builds, Inc.

Sphere Inc

Potential benefits the Tech Innovator in the US winner can receive

1


Visibility and exposure

Introduce your innovation and business on a prestigious platform, reaching a national and global audience of industry professionals, investors, potential partners and customers. Increase your company’s presence locally through targeted business and social media coverage that reaches key tech and business influencers across your country.

2


Validation and recognition

Strengthen your credibility in the tech industry and among potential investors, partners and customers by earning recognition and validation for your innovation as a finalist – or potential winner – in national and global pitch competitions.

3


Networking opportunities

Tap into a powerful hub for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Build meaningful connections with fellow tech innovators, engage with seasoned professionals and gain fresh insights that can accelerate your growth. Join a global peer-to-peer network of high-achieving entrepreneurs, where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged and opportunities thrive.

4


Mentorship and guidance

Gain access to KPMG mentors and advisers who bring deep industry knowledge and experience. Receive tailored guidance to refine your innovation, overcome challenges and successfully navigate the path to scaling your tech.

5


Media and publicity

Secure regional and global media coverage to amplify your innovation’s visibility, strengthen your market presence and attract potential users, customers and future investors.

6


Learning and growth

From the initial application through regional and global presentations, the competition offers powerful learning opportunities. Gain valuable feedback from judges and peers, sharpen your innovation and refine your presentation skills through real-world experience and collaboration.

Interested in learning more about the Tech Innovator competition?

Who are we looking for?

Tech innovators and entrepreneurs whose innovations and businesses are ready to reach new heights.

What are we looking for?

Tech innovations and tech-enabled solutions with bold ambitions to transform entire industries and make a difference in the world.

Why should you enter?

If you’ve created a bold tech innovation with breakthrough potential and are ready to scale up, this competition may be your most important next step. It’s your opportunity to showcase your technology, your vision and yourself to an audience of influential investors, partners and industry leaders.

Who is eligible to enter the competition?

Qualifications and eligibility criteria

Applicants are typically technology entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the startup phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction and have the potential to scale up globally.

To be eligible for the competition, you must:

  • Be a registered company in the country/region where the country/region final is being held.
  • Have been actively operating for 7 years or less (in the current form).
  • Generate revenue between US $1 million and $15 million; or have raised at least US $500,000 in equity.
  • Be either a pure technology or a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business.
  • Not be majority owned by a large corporate.
  • Be able to conduct all pitches in English.
  • Be available to pitch at a country/region semi-final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin (if applicable).
  • Available to pitch virtually at a country/region final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin.
  • If selected as a finalist, be available to pitch at the global final in November 2026.

For the complete 2026 KPMG Tech Innovator Competition Terms and Conditions, click here.

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Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities.

The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. KPMG LLP does not provide legal services.

The information contained herein is not intended to be “written advice concerning one or more Federal tax matters” subject to the requirements of section 10.37(a)(2) of Treasury Department Circular 230.

© 2026 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, and its subsidiaries are part of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

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