RAISE The Stakes Startup Competition 2026

About

A competition offering over €10 million in prizes for early-stage AI startups, providing opportunities for networking with investors and participation in a high-profile contest. Finalists will present their pitches to a global audience, gaining exposure and potential funding from decision-makers in the industry.

Benefits

• 💰Financial Prizes
  Over €10 million in prizes
• 🌐Networking Opportunities
  Opportunity to connect with 840+ VCs and over 9,000 attendees
• 🎤High-Profile Contest
  Participation in a high-profile startup contest
• 🤝Executive Networking
  Access to executive networking events
• 🌍Global Exposure
  Exposure to global investors and decision-makers.

Eligibility Criteria

• Early-stage AI startups with less than €10M raised
• At least 2 team members required
• Must be a registered legal entity
• Product must have AI as its core component
• Not eligible if raised more than €10M
• Focus on Pre-seed, Seed, or Series A stages.

Participation Commitments

• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
• Top 100 finalists announced on June 10, 2026
• Finalists must present their pitches on July 8-9, 2026
• Participation in networking events and workshops
• Must submit complete application documents by the deadline.

Target Region

Global

Target Sector

AI and Technology