Participation opportunities for startups
Who should apply?
Deadline: June 7th, 2026, 6:00 PM
VDS Startup Competition welcomes startups from around the world developing solutions with a positive social impact, acting as catalysts for sustainable and meaningful change across all sectors.
Participating startups have at least an MVP and present compelling, investor-ready proposals for investors, financial institutions and companies. These projects are technically and commercially viable, scalable, and designed for international growth and cross-market application, gaining exposure to a global network of 800+ investors managing over €300 billion in assets.
*Make sure to read these General Guidelines and Terms and Conditions before submitting your application form.
*VDS will only take one application per startup into consideration to be selected as part of the finalists.
Who is participating?
Deadline: June 7th, 2026, 6:00 PM
VDS Startup Competition welcomes startups from around the world developing solutions with a positive social impact, acting as catalysts for sustainable and meaningful change across all sectors.
Participating startups have at least an MVP and present compelling, investor-ready proposals for investors, financial institutions and companies. These projects are technically and commercially viable, scalable, and designed for international growth and cross-market application, gaining exposure to a global network of 800+ investors managing over €300 billion in assets.
*Make sure to read these General Guidelines and Terms and Conditions before submitting your application form.
*VDS will only take ONE application per startup into consideration to be selected as part of the finalists.
850+
Applicant startups per year
65+
Countries participating
800+
Featured
Investors
€300B+
Assets under management
12,000+
Attendees
1,500+
Corporates
€560M+
Startups
funding
€26,750M+
Raised by startups since 2018
VDS Startup Competition tracks
Startups participating in the VDS Startup Competition choose between the Early Stage Track or the Growth Stage Track, and then select two technology categories in which to compete.
Early Stage Track
Companies must be between bootstrapped to seed stage funding, i.e. self-funded or at your first formal round of external funding up until Series A. Startups here must have been founded between 2018-2025, employ under 100 people and build or market software or hardware products.
Growth Stage Track
Companies must have raised external funding and can be within Series A > B/C, i.e. at or beyond your first significant round of venture capital financing. Startups here must have been founded between 2010-2025, and build or market software or hardware products.
Categories
Selection process
Deadline: June 7th, 2026, 6:00 PM
The VDS Startup Competition is an international competition designed to identify the most disruptive startups worldwide with outstanding potential.
A jury of international experts will evaluate all applications and select the Top 100 startups, followed by the Top 50 semifinalists. From these, 25 finalists will be chosen to pitch their projects on the Main Stage at VDS 2026, in front of more than 12,000 professionals from over 120 countries, including leading investors and corporations.
After the final pitches, one winning startup will be selected as the Best Startup of VDS 2026, receiving a comprehensive visibility and growth package, including participation in the VDS 2027 content program, international media exposure, and exclusive networking opportunities with top-tier investors and industry leaders. The winning startup will also join Santander X 100, a global community connecting top founders with investors, corporates and international growth opportunities.
VDS Investment Award
Deadline: June 7th, 2026, 6:00 PM
In addition to the VDS 2026 Startup Competition prizes, eligible semifinalist startups may be considered for the VDS Investment Award by Startup Valencia. This initiative aims to identify high-potential startups to potentially initiate an investment process with a designated investment vehicle.
Selected startup(s) may enter a structured evaluation process that could lead to an investment of up to €100,000, subject to due diligence, internal approval, and negotiation of final terms. This is not a cash prize nor a guaranteed investment, but a unique opportunity to connect directly with experienced investors within the VDS ecosystem.
Legal disclaimer: The VDS Investment Award does not constitute a binding commitment to invest. Any potential investment will be subject to due diligence, approval by the Investment Committee, and execution of definitive agreements. Full legal terms apply.
Become a sponsor or exhibitor
Connect with the international tech ecosystem, increase your visibility and grow your business by meeting new partners, clients and hundreds of potential prospects.
Become a sponsor or exhibitor
Connect with the international tech ecosystem, increase your visibility and grow your business by meeting new partners, clients and hundreds of potential prospects.
