EIT Jumpstarter 2026 EIT Skip to main content [...] Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of EIT Jumpstarter! [...] The programme supports early-stage innovators in transforming science-based ideas into viable start-ups through training, mentoring, and a structured entrepreneurial journey that culminates in an international pitch competition. [...] Participants have the opportunity to compete for over €240 000 in financial support, including prizes of €10 000, €5 000 and €3 000 for the top teams in each thematic cohort. In addition, special prizes of €2 500 will recognise the best projects from the EU Outermost Regions, the Western Balkans and Ukraine, as well as solutions aligned with the New European Bauhaus initiative. Beyond financial support, participants receive more than 55 hours of entrepreneurial training, expert mentoring, professional pitch development and access to the EIT’s pan-European innovation network. [...] EIT Jumpstarter is the perfect environment to validate an innovative idea and determine whether it can grow into a viable product or service. The 2026 edition offers also stronger alignment with European innovation priorities, to progress towards investment readiness. Participants join a supportive community, benefit from expert mentoring and gain the entrepreneurial mindset needed to build and scale a start-up, The renewed programme design empowers innovators to move faster, focus on market fit and confidently transform early‑stage ideas into scalable ventures. [...] EIT Jumpstarter primarily targets innovators from countries participating in the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS), while also providing dedicated recognition for innovators from the EU Outermost Regions, the Western Balkans and Ukraine. [...] Since its launch, the programme has trained more than 1 500 innovators, supported the creation of over 150 startups, generated more than 2 600 jobs, and helped young companies attract over €150 million in investment, demonstrating its growing impact in strengthening Europe’s early-stage innovation ecosystem. [...] Participants will develop their ideas within one of six thematic cohorts aligned with Europe’s key innovation priorities: Food & Agritech (EIT Food), Healthcare (EIT Health), Energy & Renewables (InnoEnergy), Advanced & Green Manufacturing (EIT Manufacturing), Metals, Minerals, Advanced Materials & Industrial Side Streams (EIT RawMaterials), and Smart Cities & Urban Mobility (EIT Urban Mobility). [...] A special cohort dedicated to entrepreneurial talent from Malta, powered by EIT Community and Xjenza Malta, will also be featured in this year’s edition.

Where the next generation of transatlantic founders win up to £1.7 million in investment, alongside the connections and momentum that define their next chapter. [...] Founders of the Future is Tech Nation’s flagship international competition for founders aged 25-and-under, built to discover and champion the best young builders from both sides of the Atlantic. It culminates in a live finale at London Tech Week. [...] Founders of the Future is a brand-new competition from London Tech Week built to find them. There’s no shortage of pitch competitions, but almost none are designed specifically for this generation: under-26 founders, with a global stage, real VC investment on the table, and a transatlantic cohort. [...] An independent judging panel will select 6 finalists to pitch live at London Tech Week, Europe’s premier technology festival bringing together 45,000+ attendees from 128 countries and 600+ speakers (recent headline names include Sir Keir Starmer and Jensen Huang). [...] Backed by a network of world-class VCs and angels, finalists will compete for the chance to win up to £1,700,000 in investment. [...] Founders, here’s the journey in four steps: [...] Step 1: Get Nominated / Apply Enter the competition via our application form. [...] Step 2: Evaluation Our expert judging panel reviews the cohort against five criteria: value proposition, competitive advantage, traction, team experience, and potential to scale. [...] Step 3: Get Selected Be chosen as one of 6 finalists for the London Tech Week live finale. [...] Step 4: Win Big Be crowned one of the Founders of the Future winners, taking home up to £1.7m in investment and thousands in perks. [...] 💷 £1.7 million investment opportunity [...] Pitch for investment from some world-class VCs (investment terms below in FAQs) [...] A rare opportunity to be part of a curated cohort spanning the UK/Ireland and the [...] built for founders [...] Tech Week finale [...] Pitch live at Europe’s premier tech festival. Six finalists. One stage. 45,000+ attendees from 128 countries watching. [...] Founder eligibility: Aged 25-and-under on 9th June 2026 [...] Geography: Based in the UK, Ireland or US [...] Stage: Bootstrap to Series A Sector: Sector-agnostic [...] Tech Nation and Founders Forum have a strong track record of discovering and championing the unicorn founders of tomorrow. Our flagship Rising Stars competition has supported startups like Bumble ($14b Nasdaq listing), Wise ($11b LSE listing), DeepMind ($650m Google acquisition), Supercell ($10.2b Tencent acquisition) and many more. [...] There are multiple steps to the competition process and we strongly recommend you save the dates for each stage in case you are selected for the shortlist and/or final. [...] April: Nominations open [...] May 14th: Nominations close [...] End of May: 6 finalists announced [...] June 9th: Live finale at London Tech Week [...] Applicants are judged against five core criteria: value proposition, competitive advantage, current traction, experience of founders and teams, and potential to scale. If you meet the criteria above, we encourage you to apply. [...] No – Founders of the Future is transatlantic. Eligible founders can be based in the UK, Ireland or the US. [...] Finalists receive access to a prize stack worth thousands (credits/perks). Winners receive up to £1.7m in investment.

The Khalifa Entrepreneurship Award is Khalifa Fund’s flagship competition in its second edition for identifying, developing, and rewarding Abu Dhabi’s most promising startups solving real challenges across the emirate’s Falcon Economy sectors. [...] • INTENSE Bootcamp [...] • 15 Finalists Pitch Live [...] Selected startups do not simply pitch. Whether based in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra, participants will go through an intensive bootcamp, gaining access to mentorship, resources, and Khalifa Fund’s wider ecosystem ahead of the final stage of the competition. [...] • Public Pitch Stage: Finalists pitch at the SKEA Awards, one of Abu Dhabi’s premier platforms, in front of investors, sector leaders, media, and government stakeholders. [...] The Khalifa Entrepreneurship Award is Khalifa Fund’s flagship competition in its second edition for identifying, developing, and rewarding Abu Dhabi’s most promising startups solving real challenges across the emirate’s Falcon Economy sectors. [...] The competition is open to entrepreneurs across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. More than 100 startups will be selected and assigned to their local Khalifa Fund MZN campus for a 3-day bootcamp, from which 15 finalists and ultimately 5 sector winners emerge. [...] April- May 2026 [...] Submit your application online. We’re looking for MVP-ready startups with Emirati ownership, aligned to one of the Falcon Economy sectors. Applications are scored on execution, solution potential, and creativity [...] June 20 [...] Multi-stage screening: automated eligibility checks, structured scoring, ranking, and human quality assurance. 100+ startups are selected and assigned to their local Khalifa Fund MZN campus. [...] An intensive bootcamp will be delivered in each city, covering key topics such as problem and market validation, solution and business model refinement, alongside pitch coaching, mock pitches, and jury-based finalist selection. The top 15 participants will be selected from across all three cities. [...] Top 15 receive MZN membership, in-kind support, dedicated mentorship, and intensive pitch coaching. Monthly sessions refine decks, storytelling, and financials. Mock pitches with external advisors ensure readiness. [...] 15 finalists pitch to sector-specific jury panels. 5 sector winners and 3 innovation award recipients announced at SKEA in front of investors, media, and Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem leaders. [...] We’re looking for committed, early-stage founders building real solutions. Before you apply, make sure you meet all of the following criteria: [...] • MVP or prototype ready: Your startup must have a working prototype or minimum viable product with a pitchdeck attached. [...] • Availability commitment: Must be available for the full 3-day bootcamp at your assigned campus and the final pitching event. [...] Applications close June 5, 2026. Don’t wait — start yours today. [...] The competition is open to entrepreneurs aged 18+ who are residents of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra. Your startup must be Emirati-owned or co-owned with at least one Emirati founder. You need to have a working prototype or MVP. Your solution must align with Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy sectors. [...] You must have at minimum a working prototype or MVP. We want to see what you’ve built and how it works. A pitch deck is mandatory. [...] The competition offers over AED 1 million in total rewards, including prizes for sector winners, innovation awards for outstanding use of AI, Robotics, and Sustainability, in-kind support packages for the Top 15 finalists, and one year of MZN Hub membership. Detailed prize breakdowns will be shared with selected participants.

Startup Survivor is an innovation program and pitch competition open to McMaster University students and recent alumni.

Apply for KSGC 2026, Korea's government-backed global startup program. 18.9K applicants, 449 graduates, 225 Korean entities. Deadline: June 17, 2026.

The Inventor to Founder Fellowship program offers students, researchers & faculty 13 weeks of intensive support and $10,000 in stipend.

Introducing the world to bold innovations that are helping to reshape the future.

The world’s most promising AI startups will go head-to-head at SuperAI Genesis, 10-11 June 2026 in Singapore.

IVS LAUNCHPAD, one of Japan’s largest pitch contests, has produced over 60 total exits and companies that have raised more than 300 billion yen. It will be held on Day 3 of IVS2026 at Miyakomesse in Kyoto. The winner will receive up to 10 million yen. Application deadline: April 21.

Reimagining how we create value in a changing world.

EIT Jumpstarter 2026 EIT Skip to main content [...] Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of EIT Jumpstarter! [...] The programme supports early-stage innovators in transforming science-based ideas into viable start-ups through training, mentoring, and a structured entrepreneurial journey that culminates in an international pitch competition. [...] Participants have the opportunity to compete for over €240 000 in financial support, including prizes of €10 000, €5 000 and €3 000 for the top teams in each thematic cohort. In addition, special prizes of €2 500 will recognise the best projects from the EU Outermost Regions, the Western Balkans and Ukraine, as well as solutions aligned with the New European Bauhaus initiative. Beyond financial support, participants receive more than 55 hours of entrepreneurial training, expert mentoring, professional pitch development and access to the EIT’s pan-European innovation network. [...] EIT Jumpstarter is the perfect environment to validate an innovative idea and determine whether it can grow into a viable product or service. The 2026 edition offers also stronger alignment with European innovation priorities, to progress towards investment readiness. Participants join a supportive community, benefit from expert mentoring and gain the entrepreneurial mindset needed to build and scale a start-up, The renewed programme design empowers innovators to move faster, focus on market fit and confidently transform early‑stage ideas into scalable ventures. [...] EIT Jumpstarter primarily targets innovators from countries participating in the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS), while also providing dedicated recognition for innovators from the EU Outermost Regions, the Western Balkans and Ukraine. [...] Since its launch, the programme has trained more than 1 500 innovators, supported the creation of over 150 startups, generated more than 2 600 jobs, and helped young companies attract over €150 million in investment, demonstrating its growing impact in strengthening Europe’s early-stage innovation ecosystem. [...] Participants will develop their ideas within one of six thematic cohorts aligned with Europe’s key innovation priorities: Food & Agritech (EIT Food), Healthcare (EIT Health), Energy & Renewables (InnoEnergy), Advanced & Green Manufacturing (EIT Manufacturing), Metals, Minerals, Advanced Materials & Industrial Side Streams (EIT RawMaterials), and Smart Cities & Urban Mobility (EIT Urban Mobility). [...] A special cohort dedicated to entrepreneurial talent from Malta, powered by EIT Community and Xjenza Malta, will also be featured in this year’s edition.

Where the next generation of transatlantic founders win up to £1.7 million in investment, alongside the connections and momentum that define their next chapter. [...] Founders of the Future is Tech Nation’s flagship international competition for founders aged 25-and-under, built to discover and champion the best young builders from both sides of the Atlantic. It culminates in a live finale at London Tech Week. [...] Founders of the Future is a brand-new competition from London Tech Week built to find them. There’s no shortage of pitch competitions, but almost none are designed specifically for this generation: under-26 founders, with a global stage, real VC investment on the table, and a transatlantic cohort. [...] An independent judging panel will select 6 finalists to pitch live at London Tech Week, Europe’s premier technology festival bringing together 45,000+ attendees from 128 countries and 600+ speakers (recent headline names include Sir Keir Starmer and Jensen Huang). [...] Backed by a network of world-class VCs and angels, finalists will compete for the chance to win up to £1,700,000 in investment. [...] Founders, here’s the journey in four steps: [...] Step 1: Get Nominated / Apply Enter the competition via our application form. [...] Step 2: Evaluation Our expert judging panel reviews the cohort against five criteria: value proposition, competitive advantage, traction, team experience, and potential to scale. [...] Step 3: Get Selected Be chosen as one of 6 finalists for the London Tech Week live finale. [...] Step 4: Win Big Be crowned one of the Founders of the Future winners, taking home up to £1.7m in investment and thousands in perks. [...] 💷 £1.7 million investment opportunity [...] Pitch for investment from some world-class VCs (investment terms below in FAQs) [...] A rare opportunity to be part of a curated cohort spanning the UK/Ireland and the [...] built for founders [...] Tech Week finale [...] Pitch live at Europe’s premier tech festival. Six finalists. One stage. 45,000+ attendees from 128 countries watching. [...] Founder eligibility: Aged 25-and-under on 9th June 2026 [...] Geography: Based in the UK, Ireland or US [...] Stage: Bootstrap to Series A Sector: Sector-agnostic [...] Tech Nation and Founders Forum have a strong track record of discovering and championing the unicorn founders of tomorrow. Our flagship Rising Stars competition has supported startups like Bumble ($14b Nasdaq listing), Wise ($11b LSE listing), DeepMind ($650m Google acquisition), Supercell ($10.2b Tencent acquisition) and many more. [...] There are multiple steps to the competition process and we strongly recommend you save the dates for each stage in case you are selected for the shortlist and/or final. [...] April: Nominations open [...] May 14th: Nominations close [...] End of May: 6 finalists announced [...] June 9th: Live finale at London Tech Week [...] Applicants are judged against five core criteria: value proposition, competitive advantage, current traction, experience of founders and teams, and potential to scale. If you meet the criteria above, we encourage you to apply. [...] No – Founders of the Future is transatlantic. Eligible founders can be based in the UK, Ireland or the US. [...] Finalists receive access to a prize stack worth thousands (credits/perks). Winners receive up to £1.7m in investment.

The Khalifa Entrepreneurship Award is Khalifa Fund’s flagship competition in its second edition for identifying, developing, and rewarding Abu Dhabi’s most promising startups solving real challenges across the emirate’s Falcon Economy sectors. [...] • INTENSE Bootcamp [...] • 15 Finalists Pitch Live [...] Selected startups do not simply pitch. Whether based in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra, participants will go through an intensive bootcamp, gaining access to mentorship, resources, and Khalifa Fund’s wider ecosystem ahead of the final stage of the competition. [...] • Public Pitch Stage: Finalists pitch at the SKEA Awards, one of Abu Dhabi’s premier platforms, in front of investors, sector leaders, media, and government stakeholders. [...] The Khalifa Entrepreneurship Award is Khalifa Fund’s flagship competition in its second edition for identifying, developing, and rewarding Abu Dhabi’s most promising startups solving real challenges across the emirate’s Falcon Economy sectors. [...] The competition is open to entrepreneurs across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. More than 100 startups will be selected and assigned to their local Khalifa Fund MZN campus for a 3-day bootcamp, from which 15 finalists and ultimately 5 sector winners emerge. [...] April- May 2026 [...] Submit your application online. We’re looking for MVP-ready startups with Emirati ownership, aligned to one of the Falcon Economy sectors. Applications are scored on execution, solution potential, and creativity [...] June 20 [...] Multi-stage screening: automated eligibility checks, structured scoring, ranking, and human quality assurance. 100+ startups are selected and assigned to their local Khalifa Fund MZN campus. [...] An intensive bootcamp will be delivered in each city, covering key topics such as problem and market validation, solution and business model refinement, alongside pitch coaching, mock pitches, and jury-based finalist selection. The top 15 participants will be selected from across all three cities. [...] Top 15 receive MZN membership, in-kind support, dedicated mentorship, and intensive pitch coaching. Monthly sessions refine decks, storytelling, and financials. Mock pitches with external advisors ensure readiness. [...] 15 finalists pitch to sector-specific jury panels. 5 sector winners and 3 innovation award recipients announced at SKEA in front of investors, media, and Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem leaders. [...] We’re looking for committed, early-stage founders building real solutions. Before you apply, make sure you meet all of the following criteria: [...] • MVP or prototype ready: Your startup must have a working prototype or minimum viable product with a pitchdeck attached. [...] • Availability commitment: Must be available for the full 3-day bootcamp at your assigned campus and the final pitching event. [...] Applications close June 5, 2026. Don’t wait — start yours today. [...] The competition is open to entrepreneurs aged 18+ who are residents of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra. Your startup must be Emirati-owned or co-owned with at least one Emirati founder. You need to have a working prototype or MVP. Your solution must align with Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy sectors. [...] You must have at minimum a working prototype or MVP. We want to see what you’ve built and how it works. A pitch deck is mandatory. [...] The competition offers over AED 1 million in total rewards, including prizes for sector winners, innovation awards for outstanding use of AI, Robotics, and Sustainability, in-kind support packages for the Top 15 finalists, and one year of MZN Hub membership. Detailed prize breakdowns will be shared with selected participants.

Startup Survivor is an innovation program and pitch competition open to McMaster University students and recent alumni.

Apply for KSGC 2026, Korea's government-backed global startup program. 18.9K applicants, 449 graduates, 225 Korean entities. Deadline: June 17, 2026.

The Inventor to Founder Fellowship program offers students, researchers & faculty 13 weeks of intensive support and $10,000 in stipend.

Introducing the world to bold innovations that are helping to reshape the future.

The world’s most promising AI startups will go head-to-head at SuperAI Genesis, 10-11 June 2026 in Singapore.

IVS LAUNCHPAD, one of Japan’s largest pitch contests, has produced over 60 total exits and companies that have raised more than 300 billion yen. It will be held on Day 3 of IVS2026 at Miyakomesse in Kyoto. The winner will receive up to 10 million yen. Application deadline: April 21.

Reimagining how we create value in a changing world.