Equipment Finance News is pleased to announce that applications are open for the 2026 Demo Challenge at Equipment Finance Connect, taking place May 18-19 at the C. Baldwin Hotel in Houston. 

As technology plays an increasingly critical role in equipment finance, the second annual Demo Challenge leads the way with a platform for financial services and commercial equipment dealer technology startups to showcase their cutting-edge technologies before a large audience of equipment dealership, lending and leasing executives. 

View the full event agenda here. 

Fintechs founded in 2023 or later with a focus on equipment finance or dealer operations are invited to submit an application that will be considered for inclusion. All participating startups are required to present a live demo at the event, which will take place Monday, May 18, at 3:45 p.m. local time. 

Apply to participate in the Demo Showcase here.  

Past participants in the demo showcase include:  

• Embedded lending platform QuickFi;  

• Dealer management software provider Flyntlok; and  

• Loan origination and automation platform Northeq. 

Equipment Finance Connect 2026 brings equipment dealers and finance providers together to explore emerging technology, collaboration and the future of equipment finance. Attendees can participate in networking and forward-looking sessions on current market conditions, dealer-lender partnerships, rental programs and tech innovations. 

Learn more about the event and register here.