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The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) recently announced the four finalists selected for its inaugural HIRI Summit Pitchfest, debuting at the 2026 HIRI Summit. Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants across the U.S. and abroad, the four finalists—QwikFix, upmarkPDF, Homefile and Birdwatch—will present live at the 2026 HIRI Summit conference for the chance to win a $2,000 cash prize.
Pitchfest was created to spotlight emerging companies whose innovations are reshaping how homeowners, contractors and industry professionals plan, execute and experience home improvement projects. The four finalists represent breakthrough solutions in construction technology, materials innovation, workflow automation and residential resilience.
“Innovation is accelerating across the home improvement ecosystem, and these finalists reflect the ingenuity and forward-thinking solutions our industry needs,” says Dave King, CEO at HIRI. “Pitchfest gives rising companies a national stage to share ideas that can meaningfully improve how homes are built, repaired and maintained.”
The finalists were selected by a group of judges with vast experience in the home improvement space. Judges include Bruce Case, president and CEO at CASE Architects and Remodelers; Deidre Myers, director of Market Intelligence at Ferguson; Philip Odelfelt, the co-founder and CEO at Datavations; Mark Wille, director at The Build Show; and Jennifer Castenson, vice president at Green Builder Media.
“This group represents the technological transformation of the home improvement industry,” says Chris Iglienski, HIRI’s board president. “These technologies are creating a better customer experience for homeowners while also creating cost savings opportunities for the pros. It’s a win-win and an exciting time to be part of the industry.”
Pitchfest will take place during the 2026 HIRI Summit in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Sept. 29-30. To learn more or register for the Summit, visit hirisummit.com.
