Launched in 2019, PITCH//IT sees the world's top brands provide pitch briefs and £20k pilots to help them solve marketing and advertising challenges. Newly expanded in 2021, each brief will give 6 innovative firms the opportunity to pitch the brands live at MAD//Fest in July. The winner of each brand pitch will receive a £20k pilot to scale their solution and have the chance to compete in a 'Champion of Champions' pitch to decide MAD//Fest's most innovative tech player. 

The pitches will take place at MAD//Fest's 'House of Innovation' - a place where brands and agencies can connect with the most innovative startups and scaleups through pitches and meetups. The pitches, which will focus on topics including martech, adtech, content and customer experience, will be hosted by Sky Sports broadcaster Alex Payne and Jeremy Basset, Founder of MAD//Fest's innovation partner, Co:Cubed. 

"The pandemic has accelerated the need for brands to invest in innovation and collaborate with startups and scaleups who can address the challenges of the day. Not only is MAD//Fest this summer's much anticipated industry reunion, it's also a hotbed of emerging innovation as we connect exciting new players with global brands ready to invest in the best solutions," said Dan Brain, MAD//Fest's Co-founder. 

Over 4,000 industry players are expected to attend MAD//Fest in-person at The Old Truman Brewery on 7-8 July whilst global attendees can watch all the action live streamed online. Thanks to a predominantly outdoor venue, MAD//Fest is this summer's only major marketing festival to take place as a physical event. Confirmed speakers include Alexandra Depledge, founder and CEO, Resi, Penny Parnell, Creative Director, Not On The High Street, Amanda Dyjecinski, CMO, One Fine Stay, Shira Feuer, CMO, Trinny London, and Ed Curren, Head of Brand, England Rugby.

Details of the pitch briefs will be announced shortly. Click here to secure your early bird MAD//Fest London pass.