Bitcoin Pitch Competition Cypher Tank Returns to Lugano for Second Year

Cypher Tank Returns to Lugano with Expanded Competition

Cypher Tank, a pitch competition for Bitcoin startups, is returning to Lugano, Switzerland, for its second year. Applications for the 2026 event are now open. The competition aims to support founders building projects in the Bitcoin space.

The event is organized by the Plan ₿ VC Fund and the Plan ₿ Foundation. It follows a format similar to the TV show *Shark Tank*, where founders pitch their ideas to a panel of investors, known as the "honey badgers."

Key Details of the 2026 Competition

• Applications opened on August 13 and close on September 25, 2026.
• 12 finalists will be selected: 8 for-profit and 4 nonprofit projects.
• Finalists compete for direct investment and three $100,000 prizes in incubation, acceleration, or relocation services.
• The finals take place October 25–27 at PoW Space Lugano, following the Plan ₿ Forum.
• Winners will be announced at the end of the event, with recorded episodes airing online in January 2027.

How Finalists Are Chosen

A committee selects finalists based on three criteria:

• Alignment with values like individual freedom, privacy, decentralization, and resilience.
• Execution ability, sustainability, and market feasibility of the project.
• Integration within the broader Plan ₿ ecosystem.

What Happened in the First Season

The first Cypher Tank event took place in 2025, attracting over 4,000 participants from 64 countries. The judging panel included notable figures in the Bitcoin industry, such as Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino and Blockstream’s Adam Back. The event offered over $850,000 in total prizes.

The 2025 event gained visibility after the Plan ₿ Forum, which drew more than 4,000 attendees and 800,000 livestream viewers. Episodes from the first season premiered at the Plan ₿ Forum in El Salvador in January 2026.

What Is Confirmed

• Cypher Tank 2026 applications are open until September 25.
• 12 finalists will compete for investment and $300,000 in prizes.
• The event will be held in Lugano, Switzerland, in October 2026.
• The competition is funded by the Plan ₿ VC Fund and Plan ₿ Foundation.

Why This Event Matters for Bitcoin Startups

Cypher Tank provides a platform for Bitcoin founders to secure funding and support. The competition also helps position Lugano as a hub for Bitcoin and technology innovation. By expanding the number of finalists and refining the event structure, organizers aim to build on the success of the first season.

How to Apply

Founders interested in participating can apply through the official application portal.

Sources

• Bitcoin Magazine