Startup Row Applications Are Open, But Not For Long!

It’s official: PyCon 2022 in Salt Lake City will mark more than a decade of support for early-stage startups, and applications are now open! 

For the “do first and read later” folks reading this, applying for a spot on Startup Row is as easy as creating an account or logging into your existing account on the PyCon 2022 site and submitting an application. Chances are, you’ve already answered very similar questions about your startup before, so the application is quick and straightforward. 

Please submit your application before midnight on February 24, 2022!

About Startup Row

As the name may suggest, Startup Row is a row of booths at PyCon US specially reserved for early-stage companies that use the Python programming language in new and interesting ways.

Since 2011, well over 100 companies have been given the opportunity to share what they’re building (and how they’re building it) with thousands of engineers, scientists, students, tinkerers, and all-around enthusiasts who come to PyCon each year. And after the challenges of 2020 and 2021, the Python Software Foundation and PyCon organizers are thrilled to bring back the in-person experience for all who can attend.

Below are some FAQs.

Does my startup qualify? 

Here are the criteria:

• You use Python somewhere in your tech or business stack (open source, proprietary, data science, machine learning, orchestration, marketing automation… it all counts).
• Your startup is roughly 2.5 years old, or less, at time of applying (if you had a major pivot or delayed product launch, measure from there).
• You have 15 or fewer full-time employees at the time of applying.
• You or your company will fund travel and accommodation to PyCon US in Salt Lake City, Utah. (More info about the venue and nearby hotels can be found on the Venue and Hotels page of the PyCon website.)
• Your company has not previously presented on Startup Row at PyCon (if you applied before but didn’t make it, you’re encouraged to apply again!)

We understand the past couple of years have been weird, so if you're just outside of these criteria you're welcome to apply anyways.

What’s in it for me and my company?

If selected, Startup Row companies are granted:

• Two conference passes (you’re welcome to stay for the post-conference sprints, too!)
• Booth space on Startup Row in the Expo Hall on April 29th and April 30th
• An (optional) table at the PyCon Jobs Fair on May 1st (After all, there’s no better place to recruit great engineers and data science folks than PyCon)
• Placement on the PyCon 2022 website and a featured mention on the PyCon blog
• Eternal glory

How do I apply with my startup?

Applying for a spot on Startup Row is easy! Here’s how to do it:

1. First, either create an account or log into your existing account (if you created an account for a previous PyCon, you’ll have to create and confirm a new one)
2. Fill out the Startup Row application (a link to which can also be found at the bottom of the Startup Row page on the PyCon site) by February 24, 2022
3. Wait to hear back from the selection committee! If selected, you’ll be notified in early March, giving you plenty of time to complete registration and arrange travel.

Again, the deadline to apply is February 24, 2022 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Where can I learn more about Startup Row?

More information (including founder testimonials) can be found on the Startup Row page on the PyCon website. You’ll also find the application link at the bottom of that page.

Who do I contact with questions about Startup Row?

First off, you’re always welcome to send an email to the PyCon organizing team at pycon-reg@python.org if you have questions about the conference itself. 

For questions specifically about Startup Row, please reach out to co-chair Jason Rowley via email at jasondonaldrowley [at] gmail [dot] com or on twitter [at] jason_rowley.

Lastly, what is PyCon doing to keep attendees safe?

Following public health guidelines, PyCon 2022 will require proof of vaccination in order to attend PyCon in person. Masks will also be required indoors, with exceptions for specific circumstances such as eating.

More up-to-date information can be found on the Health and Safety Guidelines page.

Since Startup Row is an in-person feature of PyCon US 2022, people who are not vaccinated or are unwilling to adhere to mask requirements cannot be accommodated. Your understanding is appreciated.

Wait, what’s the deadline again?

The deadline to apply is February 24, 2022 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time. 

We look forward to reviewing your application. See you at PyCon!