Frequently Asked Questions
Competition Questions
Llama Battleground is for daring innovators ready to disrupt the AI landscape. We’re seeking early-stage AI startups with a working MVP and a bold vision. Whether you’re bootstrapped, pre-seed, or seed-funded, you’re the ideal contender—though select Series A startups in capital-intensive industries may also qualify.
We welcome applications from startups worldwide, across all industries, tackling diverse challenges—so long as you’re bringing something truly groundbreaking to the stage.
An AI startup is a company where artificial intelligence is fundamental to its product, service, or business model—without AI, the startup simply wouldn’t exist. This means AI isn’t just a feature but the core engine driving innovation, solving industry challenges, or enabling automation, analytics, or decision-making in a transformative way.
To qualify for Llama Battleground, your startup must demonstrate a clear AI-driven advantage—whether through proprietary models, groundbreaking research, or game-changing applications that push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI.
Llama Battleground is a multi-stage competition designed to showcase the most promising AI startups. We receive applications from across the globe, but only 100 startups are selected to join the Battleground. These startups gain visibility, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
From this elite group, 10 finalists will rise to the top, earning the chance to pitch live on the main stage at Happy Llama 2026 in front of industry leaders, investors, and a global audience.
After an intense final round, one winner will emerge, securing the title of Llama Battleground Champion—along with unparalleled exposure, investor interest, and potential funding opportunities.
Startups are evaluated based on a combination of factors, including product innovation, market impact, geographic diversity, founding team strength, and competitive differentiation. Llama Battleground welcomes AI-driven startups from any industry and region—what matters most is their potential to drive real transformation.
From the top 100, only 10 startups will advance to the grand stage of Llama Battleground, earning a premier showcase at Happy Llama 2026. Selection is based on the startup’s disruptive potential, industry impact, and scalability. Want to make it to the final round? It all starts with securing a spot in the top 100.
The jury for Llama Battleground is composed of a prestigious panel of industry experts, top-tier investors, successful entrepreneurs, and AI pioneers. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from diverse sectors, including AI, technology, venture capital, and business innovation. They evaluate startups based on their potential for disruption, market impact, scalability, and the strength of their team.
The jury plays a crucial role in identifying the most promising AI startups, providing valuable feedback, and helping shape the future of the AI industry.
We receive a high volume of strong applications from AI startups worldwide, and while we aim to select the most groundbreaking ventures across industries and regions, tough decisions must be made. Many startups apply multiple times before being chosen, and not being selected doesn’t reflect your potential. Some of the most successful companies have thrived without making it to the finals—keep building, and we hope to see you apply again!
Application Questions
Llama Battleground at Happy Llama 2026 will feature a global competition for early-stage AI startups. Applications close on October 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT. After the application deadline, the Llama Battleground team will review each application thoroughly. The selected companies will be notified before Nov 30, 2025, well in advance of the event on February 27, 2026, at the Santa Clara Convention Centre.
Click here to download the application form for Happy Llama 2026.
There are no fees to apply or participate in Llama Battleground, and AIM Media House does not take equity from startups. However, if a startup confirms participation and later withdraws, a $2,000 cancellation fee will be charged.
Startups are responsible for covering their travel, accommodation, meals, visas, insurance, and other related expenses.
As part of Llama Battleground, we offer the following at no charge:
- Exhibit table: 30″ round cocktail table, WiFi, table-top sign, and black linens
- Inclusion in the Happy Llama event app and an announcement on HappyLlama.aimmediahouse.com
- 4 passes for your team to attend the event
- 50% off additional passes for extra team members
- A two-minute fast-pitch on the Showcase Stage in the exhibit hall
A shot at being selected for the Llama Battleground 10 and a chance to compete for the $100K equity-free prize
Yes, we want to see your product in action, and a working MVP is ideal for this. You can use a phone or screen grabs to record the video—production quality isn’t important. In the video, founders should introduce themselves, explain why they’re building this company, and highlight what makes them the right team to lead it.
We do not want a standard animated video with overly cheerful music or marketing-style commentary.
No, not at all! Just email us at info@aimmediahouse.com, and we can delete the current application so you can re-submit a new one.
Founders can submit one application per company. Multiple applications for the same company will not be accepted.
Program Questions
Llama Battleground 100 takes place at Happy Llama 2026, at the Santa Clara Convention Centre, on February 27, 2026.
As a participant in Llama Battleground 100, you’ll be exhibiting throughout Happy Llama 2026. You must participate in all event activities, which include exhibiting in the Expo Hall and engaging with attendees and judges during the event.
No, AIM Media House does not invest or take equity in startups participating in Llama Battleground. However, a major benefit of the competition is exposure to leading VCs and potential commercial partners. Many startups secure funding following the event.
As a member of Llama Battleground 100, you will join a community of game-changing AI Startup Council and gain access to:
- Exclusive opportunities to pitch in front of VCs, investors, and commercial partners at Happy Llama 2026
- Free and discounted tickets to Happy Llama and other AIM Media House events
- Exclusive webinars and resources on scaling, fundraising, and growth strategies
- Networking opportunities with VCs, industry experts, fellow founders, and more
Opportunities for media coverage on your startup’s achievements as you grow
For more details, please visit the official Llama Battleground 100 page on HappyLlama.aimmediahouse.com.
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