Global Startup Awards Grand Finale to take place at this year’s EU-Startups Summit
We’re happy to announce that the 11th edition of the Global Startup Awards Grand Finale will take place on the evening of May 7th 2026 as part of this year’s EU-Startups Summit (May 7-8) at the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta, Malta.
The Grand Finale is a separate, globally-focused startup ecosystem celebration embedded within our evening agenda – adding a fresh, international flavour to the proceedings, but distinct from our very own EU-Startups Pitch Competition.
A shared mission, expanded stage
This collaboration was made possible thanks to MeOut Group, the investor behind the Global Startup Awards (GSA) and parent company of EU-Startups. It reflects our shared belief that startups don’t thrive in isolation – they thrive through collaboration.
While EU-Startups continues to focus on Europe, GSA brings a truly global community into the room. Through a shared mission of boosting startups ecosystems beyond borders, we’re co-hosting an environment where local innovation meets international perspective. Together, we’re shaping a platform that welcomes boundary-pushing entrepreneurs, regardless of where they come from.
“EU-Startups has always stood for connecting the European startup ecosystem – and now, through this collaboration with GSA, we’re opening the door for global perspectives to join the conversation. While our Summit remains focused on European innovation, this partnership strengthens our shared mission of empowering founders at every stage and from every region,” says Thomas Ohr, CEO and Founder of EU-Startups.
Why Malta?
After expanding across 154 countries over the past decade, the GSA is returning to its European roots – and what better place than Malta? The island is an increasingly strategic bridge for global policy, tech investment, and cross-border talent.
Hosting the Grand Finale here symbolises a homecoming of sorts for the GSA, and we’re happy to have it take place during this year’s EU-Startups Summit.
Over 2,500 attendees are expected across the joint event, with at least 1,200 startup founders, 300 investors, and delegations from more than 100 countries. That diversity brings not just visibility but tangible opportunity all involved.
“After more than a decade of building the Global Startup Awards across 154 countries, we are now bringing the full strength of our global network into the heart of Europe. Hosting Edition 11 of the Global Grand Finale here creates a powerful bridge between global innovation and Europe, anchored in an EU setting and strengthened through our partnership with EU-Startups and our co-founding investor, MeOut Group,” adds Kim Balle, CEO and Co-founder of XO Group (Owner of the GSA).
Different stages, shared energy
Our own EU-Startups Pitch Competition will continue to be one of the top highlights of the annual EU-Startups Summit, with a sole focus on early-stage startups from across Europe. The GSA Global Grand Finale, which is happening the day before our EU-Startups Pitch Competition finals, is adding a global dimension that complements our core mission.
In Malta, GSA finalists from across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Oceania will compete live across 13 categories, including:
- Startup of the Year
- Best Newcomer
- Best GreenTech Startup
- Best HealthTech Startup
- Best FinTech Startup
- Best Youth Startup
- VC of the Year
- Best Accelerator or Incubator Programme
- Best Co-working Space
- Founder of the Year
- Diversity Role Model of the Year
- Ecosystem Hero of the Year
- People’s Choice
Winners will be announced during the Global Awards Ceremony in front of an audience of global investors, ecosystem leaders, and media.
Beyond the pitch stage, attendees can expect live startup showcases, keynote sessions, fireside chats, cutting-edge product exhibitions, curated matchmaking opportunities, and dedicated networking zones designed to foster cross-border collaboration.
Tickets and access
All EU-Startups Summit ticket holders will have access to the GSA Grand Finale. Finalists selected for the competition will receive complimentary access.
As we look ahead to May, we invite founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts from all over the world to join us in Malta for what promises to be a truly special edition of the EU-Startups Summit – with a global twist.
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