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In this article we present a curated selection of the most impactful events of 2026, focusing on those that offer high-value networking and strategic growth opportunities both for early-stage startups and fast-growing scaleups.
Updated: Feb 2026.
Event date: 11 - 13 May, 2026
Event description: One of the leading tech and startup events in the CEE region, bridging startups, investors, and innovative companies.
Why participate: Early-stage founders benefit from PODIM Challenge pitches to international investors, Deal Room for 1,300+ meetings, and workshops on scaling, perfect for securing deals and CEE network expansion. A premier event for networking with investors mainly from Central and Eastern Europe.
🔗 Podim
Event date: 18 and 22 May, 2026
Event description: A citywide festival dedicated to startups and innovation, featuring multiple events across Vienna to foster connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts.
Why participate: Ideal for early-stage founders to immerse in Vienna's vibrant ecosystem through 65+ events like pitch sessions, hackathons, and investor meets, building global connections and gaining funding insights in a relaxed, city-exploring format.
🔗 ViennaUp
Event date: 27 - 28 may, 2026
Event description: A global gathering of tech leaders, exploring the future of technology and innovation through expert-led sessions and networking.
Why participate: A must-attend event for tech enthusiasts looking to engage with world-class speakers and investors. Aspiring startuppers access early-stage fundraising workshops, team-building sessions, and startup-led streams, networking with 8,000 attendees including global investors for inspiration and growth.
Event date: 17 and 20 June, 2026
Event description: One of Europe’s largest event for innovation, startups, and technology, attracting over 150,000 participants, 2,000 investors, and top global speakers. It brings together corporates, VCs, and institutions in an ecosystem that fosters partnerships, international visibility, and access to capital for deep-tech and technology-transfer initiatives.
Why participate: Early-stage founders can take advantage of free or low-cost side events (organized by accelerators and VCs) to pitch ideas, test MVPs with 2,000+ deep-tech investors, and gain international visibility. It's the ideal opportunity to validate your product, form partnerships with French corporations, and access EU grants in an ecosystem that has generated €5B+ in funding per year.
🔗 VivaTech
Event date: 30 June - 1 July, 2026
Event description: A major technology event focused on cutting-edge innovations, bringing together tech leaders, startups, and enterprises to explore emerging trends.
Why participate: Early-stage founders pitch amid 5,600+ startups and unicorns, connecting with global VCs in AI/cyber/quantum, launching in Berlin's hotspot for Europe-wide exposure. A prime opportunity to explore breakthrough technologies and connect with global tech giants.
Event date: 26 and 27 August, 2026
Event description: TechBBQ focuses on the Nordic startup scene, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and policymakers in a hybrid festival and conference event at the Bella Center in Copenhagen. It is a hub for practical networking, pitch sessions, and innovation demos, with an emphasis on deep tech and life sciences from the Danish ecosystem.
Why participate: TechBBQ gathers the full Nordic startup landscape - entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, and tech professionals - offering a strategic opportunity to connect with one of Europe’s most advanced innovation hubs. With Danish universities, science parks, and accelerators (e.g., Aalborg University, DTU Science Park, Accelerace) participating through reverse pitches and booths, the event provides direct access to deep tech and life science experts and a qualified deal flow.
🔗 TechBBQ
Event date: autumn 2026
Event description: Italy’s premier technology event, featuring international speakers, startup showcases, and investor panels. A must-attend for those shaping the future of technology in Italy and beyond.
Why participate: Perfect for Italian-based early founders to meet the full ecosystem, schedule key intros, and showcase amid 15,000+ attendees focusing on AI, climate, and mobility trends.
Event date: 30 sept - 1 Oct 2026
Event description: A high-profile startup event showcasing European innovation and connecting founders, investors, and industry experts.
Why participate: Wannabe founders gain insights on hot topics like VC liquidity, founder health, and AI via 200+ speakers, workshops, and networking with rising stars and journalists. A unique occasion to gain insights into the European startup landscape and form valuable connections.
Event date: November 9-12, 2026
Event description: A two-day international summit held in Lisbon that brings together global deep tech leaders, investors and innovators to explore and shape the future of high-impact technologies such as AI, quantum computing, biotech, advanced materials and defense tech.
Why participate: It’s one of the few vertical events focused on deep tech in Europe, with a high concentration of investors specialized in deep tech and high-profile speakers from universities, corporates, and European institutions.
Event date: November 18 - 19 2026
Event description: A founder–investor event with a strong focus on VCs and LPs. The program includes dedicated investor sessions (Investor Day). It also attracts a broad range of key market stakeholders (including founders, executives, and decision-makers) enhanced by more than 600 side events.
Why participate: Early-stage founders can access competitive pitches, 1:1 meetings with over 1,000 investors, workshops on scaling and traction, and a premium network for closing deals in an energetic environment that has generated billions in past funding.
🔗 Slush