- Road to Global Tech Summit at ViennaUP 2026 connects startups, investors, and innovators across global ecosystems
- The event focuses on scaling startups internationally through practical insights and real-world experiences
- The Summit’s programme offers matchmaking, workshops, pitches, and networking for partnerships and deal-making
- The ViennaUP setting encourages collaboration and positions Vienna as gateway to global innovation
Road to Global Tech Summit Vienna 2026 is set to take place on May 20–21st in Vienna as part of the wider ViennaUP festival, bringing together founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders to explore how European innovation can scale globally. Hosted at Julius Raab Saal, the Summit positions itself as a key meeting point for those looking to transform ideas into international success stories.
A Platform for Global Expansion
Road to Global is designed around a definitive mission: helping startups and innovators move beyond local markets and succeed on a global stage. By connecting participants from across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, the event fosters cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Over two days, attendees will engage with experienced founders, investors, and scaling experts who share practical insights into international expansion. The focus is on real-world experiences rather than theory, providing actionable strategies for entering new markets, building partnerships, and navigating global business environments.
Bringing Together the Tech Ecosystem
The Summit is part of the broader Tech Summit Vienna initiative, which brings together leaders and professionals from across Europe’s fast-growing technology ecosystem. Participants include startup founders, venture capitalists, corporate innovators, policymakers, and technology experts.
The Summit features a mix of keynote talks, panel discussions, workshops, and networking formats. These sessions are designed to address key topics shaping the future of technology, including artificial intelligence, smart cities, startup ecosystems, and the future of work.
The confirmed participants include:
- Anja Brnic, Senior Talent Partner at Affinidi
- Milan Domazet, CEO at AIR-RMLD
- Kate Hockey, Talent Acquisition Partner at Zalando
- Jan Juriga, Project Lead for the ViennaUP Programme at the Vienna Business Agency
- Tajda Kumbulla, CEO at Pragmatic
- Zdenko Marinčić, CEO at X- Logic
- Josip Povreslo, Founder and CEO at Field39
- Anto Širić, CEO at sportreact d.o.o.
- Elina Stanek, Sustainability Lead at Women in AI Austria
- Magdalena Tatarczewska, Career & Mindset Coach at Phoenix Coaching
- Gabriele Tatzberger, Director of Start-up Services at the Vienna Business Agency
- and many more
A strong emphasis is placed on interaction and collaboration. Through structured networking sessions and informal exchanges, participants have the opportunity to connect with potential partners, clients, and investors, building relationships that extend beyond the event itself.
Matchmaking and Real Business Opportunities
One of the defining features of Road to Global Tech Summit is its focus on business outcomes. The Summit includes dedicated matchmaking formats, such as investor-startup meetings and curated networking sessions, designed to facilitate partnerships and deal-making.
With hundreds of participants and a strong presence of investors and startups, the event creates an environment where ideas can evolve into concrete collaborations. From early-stage ventures to scaleups, participants gain access to the connections and resources needed to grow internationally.
Showcasing Innovation and Emerging Talent
The Summit also highlights emerging startups and innovative solutions through dedicated showcase areas and pitching opportunities. These platforms allow founders to present their ideas to a global audience and receive feedback from experienced industry players.
Workshops and interactive sessions further enhance the experience, offering hands-on learning opportunities and practical insights into key areas such as market entry strategies, fundraising, and partnership development.
Vienna as a Gateway to Global Innovation
Vienna’s role as host city reflects its growing importance as a European innovation hub. With a thriving startup ecosystem and strong institutional support, the city provides an ideal environment for international collaboration and growth.
By hosting Road to Global Tech Summit within ViennaUP, the Festival benefits from a broader ecosystem of innovation activities, attracting thousands of participants from around the world. This integration strengthens Vienna’s position as a gateway for startups looking to expand into global markets.
Driving the Next Generation of Global Startups
Road to Global Tech Summit Vienna 2026 ultimately bridges the gap between local innovation and global impact. By combining expert insights, practical learning, and meaningful connections, the event provides a platform for startups and innovators to take the next step in their growth journey.
For participants, it offers not only inspiration but also tangible opportunities to scale, collaborate, and succeed in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
In a Nutshell
- Date: May 20–21st, 2026
- Place: Julius Raab Saal, Vienna, Austria
- More information: on the Summit’s official website
- Tickets here, use promo code TS-ITKM10 for 10% off
- Startup founders are welcome to reach out here, mention the code TS-ITKM20, and refer ITKeyMedia for 20% off
Kostiantyn is a freelance writer from Crimea but based in Lviv. He loves writing about IT and high tech because those topics are always upbeat and he’s an inherent optimist!
