By applying to the VDS 2026 Startup Competition, your startup will be eligible to pitch on stage during the celebration of the event in front of the 12,000+ expected attendees and a top-level jury of high-profile investors and leading corporations.
Participation in the VDS2026 Startup Competition may entitle eligible startups to be considered for additional partner awards, including the VDS Investment Award, which is subject to separate legal terms and conditions.
VDS 2026 STARTUP COMPETITION: BENEFITS
A jury of experts will choose one winners: Best Startup VDS Competition 2026 who will have a participation at VDS2027 content program
25 selected startups (Finalists) will receive:
- Pitch opportunity at the Main Stage
- 4 VDS2026 Business Passes for free, granting access to our exclusive B2B Forum for industry professionals with unique content and activities to foster valuable relations in exclusive encounters
- Invitation to the Guest Reception on October 20th (Valencia, Spain)
- Access to the VIP/Bussines/Speaker Lounge
- Media coverage: startups will have the opportunity to be interviewed by our media partners who will enhance their visibility before, during and after the event.
- One highlight article on our blog previous to VDS 2026 featuring the 25 finalists including their statements
- Networking opportunities through the VDS App
- Mention on the VDS 2026 website as a Finalist of the Pitch Competition
- Mentions on Social Media and Newsletter
Winners:
All the above plus:
- 4 VDS 2027 passes
- Exclusive networking opportunities at VDS 2026
- Meet international press for promotion of the winning startup
- Interview with winners that will be published on our blog by early November
- A dedicated article as a winner published on VDS website and promoted across VDS marketing channels
- Mentions on VDS Social Media and Newsletter
- A VDS trophy
*Exhibition at VDS is subject to the acceptance of and compliance with the VDS standard exhibition terms and conditions, and all directions and requirements of the event organiser as may be provided from time to time.
Eligible semifinalist startups may also be considered for the VDS Investment Award – Startup Valencia & BigBan Investors (subject to separate legal terms and investment process).
Top 50 startups
- 2 VDS 2026 Attendee Passes
- Pitch Opportunity at VDS 2026 (Time and place TBC by the Organiser)
- Mentions on Social Media and Newsletter
- Mention on the VDS 2026 website as Top 50 of the competition
More prizes by our partners and sponsors will be announced soon!
