Ready to Pitch? Applications for the 2026 EU-Startups Summit Pitch Competition are now open!
On May 7-8, Malta will transform into the main meeting point for Europe’s most ambitious founders and investors as we host the 12th edition of the EU-Startups Summit. The event will gather around 2,500 founders, startup enthusiasts, corporates, angel investors, VCs, and media from across Europe – all united by a focus on startups with global ambitions.
Our agenda will be packed with valuable insights from some of Europe’s most successful entrepreneurs and will dive deep into the founder journey. We’ll have two stages, great networking opportunities, workshops, a buzzing exhibition hall, and a super exciting Pitch Competition featuring 15 most promising early-stage startups from across Europe!
How it works
The goal of our annual Pitch Competition is to showcase Europe’s very best seed and pre-seed startups. After submitting your application, our team will carefully review all entries and hand-pick the 15 of the most innovative early-stage teams from across the continent, who will join us at the EU-Startups Summit on May 7-8 in Malta.
Each finalist will have three minutes to pitch their idea on the main stage in front of a large audience of investors, media, and startup enthusiasts, followed by questions from our panel of high-profile VC judges.
P.S. All applicants will receive a confirmation about their application status once the application phase is closed.
Prize package
The last edition featured the prize package valued at over €750k! Next year, you can expect it to be equally outstanding. Packed with funding opportunities, exclusive services, and tools to accelerate your startup’s growth, this prize could help transform your entrepreneurial journey. Stay tuned as we unveil the complete package in the coming weeks!
Who can apply
If your startup meets the following criteria, we’d love to see your application:
- Based in Europe (EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway, etc.)
- Pre-seed or seed stage
- Founded within the last three years
- Raised between 0 and €750K in venture capital
Applications close on 8 February 2026! Apply here for your chance to pitch at Europe’s most exciting startup event.
Beyond the Pitch Competition
The EU-Startups Summit offers countless opportunities for inspiration, networking, and growth:
- Around 2,500 attendees, including founders, corporates, investors, and media
- 8000+ matchmaking meetings facilitated by a dedicated networking app
- Fireside chats and keynotes with 80+ industry leaders, including unicorn founders and top VCs
- A buzzing exhibition hall featuring over 80 startups and companies showcasing their innovative solutions
- Dedicated side events, including networking parties on both evenings of the summit on the beautiful rooftop of the Mediterranean Conference Centre
- And of course, sunny Malta provides the perfect setting to get inspired, share ideas, and build meaningful connections!
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your startup on one of Europe’s biggest stages! Apply now for the EU-Startups Pitch Competition 2026!
SPONSORS
Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperity by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.
M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong, and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.
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