Applications are closed
Submissions for the 2026 CEE Startup Voucher closed on 18.09.2026 and are now being evaluated. The finalists pitch live in Žilina on 12.11.2026 — the 2027 round opens next spring.
€20,000
Non-dilutive prize
No equity taken
~14 weeks
Open window
From open to finals
150+
Attendees at finals
Žilina, in person
Eligibility
- Early-stage projects
- Technological or business innovation with global growth potential
- Less than €150,000 in total external investments received
We want the prizes to make as much impact as possible, that's why we limit the investment amount.
- Projects based in CEE, or based outside CEE with direct impact in the region
What to prepare
A clear pitch deck
Problem, solution, market, traction, team, ask. Keep it tight — we read a lot of decks.
A short team video
Who you are and why you're the team to build this. ~90 seconds, phone-quality is fine.
Read the conditions
Eligibility, IP, equity (none — it's non-dilutive), and what happens at each stage.
Calendars cleared
Online semifinals 12–13 October. Finals in Žilina on 12 November. You'll want to be there.
2026 Timeline
See the full timeline →08.06.2026
Applications open
18.09.2026
Submission deadline
12–13.10.2026
Online semifinals
12.11.2026
Finals in Žilina
See you at the Grand Finale
The 2026 finalists pitch for up to €20,000 in non-dilutive funding, live in Žilina on 12.11.2026. Come watch it happen.
Get your tickets