On May 7–8, 2026, Malta will become Europe’s central meeting point for ambitious founders and forward-thinking investors as it hosts the 12th edition of the EU-Startups Summit. With around 2,500 participants—including founders, corporates, VCs, angels, startup enthusiasts, and media—the summit brings together the continent’s brightest innovators united by one mission: building globally impactful startups.
This year’s edition will feature two stages filled with insights from successful European entrepreneurs, deep dives into the founder journey, hands-on workshops, a buzzing exhibition hall, and unmatched networking opportunities. One of the summit’s biggest highlights? The Pitch Competition, where 15 of Europe’s most promising early-stage startups take the spotlight.
How the Pitch for EU-Startups Summit Works
The EU-Startups Pitch Competition is designed to showcase Europe’s strongest seed and pre-seed startups. After you submit your application, the EU-Startups team will review all entries and select the top 15 most innovative early-stage teams from across Europe.
Finalists will:
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Pitch for 3 minutes on the main stage
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Present in front of leading investors, media representatives, and founders
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Answer live questions from a panel of high-profile VC judges
All applicants will be notified of their application status once the review phase is complete.
Prize Package: What’s at Stake?
Last year’s prize package was valued at over €750,000, filled with funding opportunities, exclusive startup tools, and services designed to accelerate growth.
The 2026 prize package is expected to be equally impressive. EU-Startups will reveal the full list of rewards soon—so stay tuned.
Who Can Apply?
Your startup is eligible if it meets the following criteria:
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Based in Europe (EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway, etc.)
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Pre-seed or seed stage
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Founded within the last three years
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Have raised between €0–€750K in venture capital
Applications close on 8 February 2026.
Don’t miss your chance to pitch at one of Europe’s biggest startup events!
Beyond the Pitch Competition
The EU-Startups Summit is more than a pitch event—it’s a full-scale ecosystem gathering offering enormous value:
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2,500 attendees including founders, investors, corporates, and media
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8,000+ matchmaking meetings through a dedicated networking app
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80+ speakers, from unicorn founders to top-tier VCs
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80+ exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge innovations
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Curated side events, including evening networking parties on the rooftop of the Mediterranean Conference Centre
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The unbeatable backdrop of sunny Malta, perfect for building meaningful partnerships
Whether you want to fundraise, hire, network, or simply get inspired, the summit offers an unmatched platform to grow.
About the Sponsors
Malta Enterprise
Malta’s economic development agency driving investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Malta Enterprise supports both local and foreign businesses, strengthens the nation’s startup ecosystem, and creates a fertile environment for new ventures to thrive.
M. Demajo Group
A major Maltese business group with over 115 years of history and operations across diverse sectors. With 500 employees and a strong reputation built through organic growth, acquisitions, and partnerships, M. Demajo Group remains one of Malta’s most respected business leaders.
Ready to Put Your Startup on a European Stage?
This is your opportunity to pitch in front of Europe’s top investors, gain visibility, and accelerate your startup’s growth.
Apply now for the EU-Startups Pitch Competition 2026!
To know more about such opportunities, click here.