Twilio's AI Startup Searchlight 2025

Yes, eligibility is not restricted by geographic location; our search is worldwide!✨

To be eligible to apply, the contact person at the startup who is applying must be at least 21 years old.

Yes, startups can apply directly. However, we recommend that applicants provide a point of contact within the startup when filling in the form, so we can liaise with them for this awards program should we need any additional information.

Unfortunately, Twilions are not eligible to nominate a startup, nor can their own side project or startup be nominated.

We welcome all startup applications, as long as they meet our criteria which is:

• Demonstrate clearly how they are using Emerging Technologies (AI, AI Agents, LLMs & Platforms) and Twilio creatively on channels such as Video, Voice, Email, WhatsApp, Conversations, SMS or Segment;
• Have a product in the market and can provide a working functional demo of the solution they have built that leverages Twilio to enhance end user experiences;
• Have raised less than $200M in Venture Funding.
  
  Twilio’s AI Startup Searchlight 2025 aims to celebrate the builders, the dreamers, the innovators, the relentless creators who are shaping the future of communications and customer engagement with Emerging Technologies (AI, AI Agents, LLMs & Platforms) and Twilio.

We are looking for startups building the future of communications and customer engagement by leveraging emerging technologies (e.g., LLMs, Generative AI, Big Data) in combination with Twilio. We're especially interested in solutions and developer tools that creatively apply these technologies across channels like Video, Voice, Email, WhatsApp, Conversations, SMS, Segment & more;

The 20 awarded startups (selected honorees) will be evaluated on their impact by a Judging Committee of Twilions and a Finalist Judging Panel composed of industry experts from both within and outside Twilio.

For any additional questions you may have about the Twilio AI Searchlight 2025 Award program, please reach out to the team at twiliostartups@twilio.com.

Applications are currently under review. Please refer to the timeline below for key dates:

• Nominations Close: Friday, September 5, 2025

• Judging Process: Late September – Mid October 2025

• 20 Honorees Announced: Mid to Late November 2025
  (Winners will be announced at SIGNAL London)

In the meantime, we encourage you to stay engaged with the Twilio developer community. Check out Build the Future of Communications, and explore live events and on-demand training here:
🔗 Twilio Developer Resources

The honorees (the 20 awarded startups) will:

• Be featured online by Twilio and a leading technology media outlet to celebrate their startup and the milestones they have achieved;
• Recieve up to $2500 USD in one-time OpenAI API credit;
• Receive up to $10,000 USD in one-time Twilio credit;
• Receive a one-time Ramp gift card worth up to $5,000 USD;
• Gain exclusive access to a 1:1 session with the Twilio Ventures team to pitch your startup, showcase your product, receive strategic feedback, and start building a relationship that could accelerate your fundraising journey and unlock future investment opportunities;
• Gain the opportunity to collaborate on a range of future co-marketing initiatives with Twilio.

There is no cost for founders or developers at startups to submit an application.

You will not be able to review your application once it’s submitted.

However, if your startup is selected as one of the honorees (the 20 awarded startups) you will have the opportunity to review the submitted application for accuracy. At that stage, you will also be asked to provide a headshot of either the founders or your team, grant permission for us to feature your startup online and on social media, and confirm that no confidential information is included.

This information cannot be disclosed currently. Only the Twilio AI Startup Searchlight 2025 Honorees (20 awarded startups), will be notified about this.

The honorees (the 20 awarded startups) will each receive online:

• Up to $2500 USD in one-time OpenAI API credit;
• Up to $10,000 USD in one-time Twilio credit;
•  A one-time Ramp gift card worth up to $5,000 USD.
  

Creativity: Does the startup's DEMO/Prototype demonstrate creativity, unique features, or solve a complex problem effectively? Extra detail and attention are evident in the demo. The DEMO/Prototype has that ✨something special✨ to highlight how the startup creatively uses Emerging Technologies (AI, AI Agents, LLMs & Platforms) and Twilio across channels such as Voice, Email, WhatsApp, Conversations, SMS, or Segment.

Long-Term Impact: By leveraging both Emerging Technologies (AI, AI Agents, LLMs & Platforms) and Twilio APIs, will the startup's efforts create a significant impact on end-user experiences?

Market Impact: Does the DEMO/Prototype show significant potential to disrupt the market as it continues to develop and gain adoption? The innovation and ingenuity demonstrated by the team through product/end-user solution development could substantially advance communications and AI, propelling them forward in a major way.

Technical Impact: Does the DEMO/Prototype integrate Emerging Technologies (AI, AI Agents, LLMs & Platforms) alongside Twilio channels such as Voice, Email, WhatsApp, Conversations, SMS, or Segment, optimizing for the best possible end-user solutions or experiences? Developers should demonstrate consideration for various use cases and the feasibility of getting the DEMO/Prototype into production.

Please note, this opportunity will be available exclusively to the 20 startups awarded as Twilio AI Startup Searchlight 2025 Honorees. Twilio will make the final decision, and only the 20 Honorees will be notified.

No, the person submitting the application does not need to be a developer. Anyone can apply on behalf of their startup, as long as they provide accurate and complete information.

Applicants must ensure that:

• They submit accurate details about themselves and the startup;
• They include a valid point of contact at the startup in order for the application to be considered.

Yes! We will be showcasing honorees (the 20 awarded startups) on the Twilio blog, social media, and through other online channels and leading technology media outlets.