EU-Startups Summit 2026

The EU-Startups Summit is set to return in May for a two-day in-person event aimed at founders, investors, and leaders within the European startup ecosystem. Hosted in Malta, this annual summit serves as a platform for high-growth startups, global venture capitalists, and influential tech figures to engage in discussions, networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.

Key Features of the Event

Overview of Attendance

• Over 2,500 participants
• More than 8,500 scheduled meetings
• Approximately 1,200 founders
• About 300 investors

Attendee Profile

The summit draws a varied audience from the European technology sector, including:

• Founders of startups and early-stage teams
• Leaders in corporate innovation
• Angel investors and venture capital representatives
• Media professionals and ecosystem developers
• Startups focused on technology with global aspirations

Networking Opportunities

Attendees can participate in a variety of curated networking formats, such as:

• A specialized matchmaking and networking application
• Designated one-on-one meeting areas
• Networking sessions centered on specific topics
• Evening networking events
• Casual conversation spaces throughout the venue

These features facilitate the formation of valuable connections, partnership discovery, and opportunities for business and funding.

Program Highlights

The summit will showcase a comprehensive program across two stages, featuring:

• Fireside chats with renowned founders
• Keynote addresses from industry experts and thought leaders
• Panel discussions on emerging trends, market insights, and founder experiences
• A prominent pitch competition with startups selected from over 1,500 applicants

Exhibition Area

The exhibition hall will feature 75 companies, with the full participant roster representing over 1,200 organizations. Exhibitors will include innovative startups, scale-ups, service providers, and technology platforms. Attendees can interact with teams in person or continue discussions via the event application.

Notable Past Speakers

The event has previously hosted a wide array of distinguished innovators, founders, and global leaders, including:

• Dr. Norah Patten – Aeronautical Engineer and Ireland’s first astronaut
• Dr. Gero Decker – Co-founder & CEO, Signavio (acquired by SAP for over $1B)
• Daniel Gebler – CTO, Picnic
• Tamara Orlova – CFO, Flo Health
• Hristo Borisov – Founder & CEO, Payhawk
• Dr. Helen O’Neill – Founder, Hertility
• Valentina Milanova – Founder, Daye
• Ida Tin – Co-founder, Clue
• Aron Gelbard – Co-founder & CEO, Bloom & Wild
• George Gregory – CEO, Malta Enterprise
• Pep Gomez – Founder, Fever
• Bobby Healy – Founder & CEO, Manna
• Mike Butcher – Editor-at-Large, TechCrunch
• And many other prominent founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem specialists.

(The lineup for 2026 will be announced shortly.)

Investor Engagement

The summit will host numerous investors from Europe’s leading funds. Throughout the event, participants can connect with these firms via:

• The networking application
• Investor-specific meeting areas
• Evening networking events
• “Investors on Stage” sessions, where selected VC firms present their investment strategies and portfolio approaches

Pitch Competition Details

The summit will feature a significant pitch competition with 15 early-stage startups, chosen from over 1,500 applications. Each finalist will present a three-minute pitch to the audience and a distinguished panel of investors.

The winning startup will receive:

• Significant visibility
• High-value connections with investors
• A prize package valued at €755,000

Applications for the 2026 competition will open at the end of 2025.

Workshops and Additional Sessions

Participants can attend expert-led workshops covering:

• Fundraising techniques
• Product development strategies
• Market entry tactics
• Scaling companies
• Emerging technologies
• Market expansion

Additional offerings will include panel discussions, startup showcases, and hands-on learning experiences.

Location and Schedule

The summit will take place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) in Valletta, a historic venue with a sea view.

Event Dates:

May 7–8, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Participants can start each day with networking and coffee, with the main stage program commencing at 10:00 AM.

Each evening will conclude with rooftop networking events at the MCC, providing sunset views and informal networking opportunities.