The world’s largest AI media conference – AI on the Lot – is coming to San Francisco for a special pop-up event.

On Wed April 29th 6pm-9pm in the SF Mission District, AI on the Lot is hosting a pitch contest for AI startups building in the media/entertainment space.

This event will feature 10 early-stage startups building startups in the intersection of AI, entertainment, and filmmaking. Each startup pitch live in front of a curated audience of founders, operators, investors, and industry leaders.

A panel of CEOs and VCs in the AI media space will select one winner, who will earn the opportunity to present at AI on the Lot 2026 in Culver City (May 27-28) in front of 2,000+ filmmakers, studio executives, investors, and more.

After the contest there will be a happy hour with free food + beverage.

Expect ambitious founders, sharp operators, and some of the most exciting people building in AI media — all in one room.

Agenda

6:00 PM — Doors open + networking
6:30 PM — Welcome remarks
6:40 PM — Startup pitches
7:45 PM — Deliberation + networking
8:00 PM — Winner announced + networking
9:00 PM — Close

Judges

Michael Lingelbach (Founder/CEO, Hedra)
Vishnu Hari (Founder/CEO, Ego ai)
Nathaniel Mahowald (Founder/CEO, Pickaxe)
Vicky Huang (Draper vc)

Presenting Startups

Plot Party (https://plotparty.ai/)
Portal Hop (https://portalhop.pages.dev/)
Film IQ (https://www.filmiq.ai/)
Koyal (https://koyal.ai/)
Oxen (https://www.oxen.ai/)
Fukui labs (Bottega Studio)
Preview (Preview.io)
Martini Art (https://martini.art)
Aina (https://www.ainatech.ai/)

If you'd like to pitch at the event, apply to pitch here. Slots are limited. Please only apply if you're building in the media/filmmaking/entertainment space.

What is AI on the Lot?

AI on the Lot is the largest AI media & film conference in the world. Hosted annually in Los Angeles, the event brings together over 2,000 founders, filmmakers, studio execs, investors, and filmmakers in the AI video space for a two-day summit. It is the physical epicenter of AI film & media.

Want to attend the LA event (May 27-28)? Buy your pass today here. Use code SFSHOWCASE for 10% off.

Contact

Have questions, or are interested in sponsoring this event? Contact our event team at team@aionthelot.com

Important Information

Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy By registering to an AI on the Lot event, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Disability Notice Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event should contact team@aionthelot.com with their name and contact information. We request that individuals requiring accommodations notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

AI Media/Film Startup Pitch Contest