- EU-Startups Summit 2026 comes back to Valletta, Malta, on May 7–8th for its 12th edition
- Networking app, Exhibition Hall with 70+ exhibitors showcasing innovative products, and additional events enable thousands of meaningful founder-investor connections
- Over 80 speakers, keynotes, and panels provide actionable insights on scaling and emerging technologies on the Main Stage
- The Summit’s Pitch competition features 15 startups racing for the EUR 1M+ prize
The EU-Startups Summit 2026 will take place on May 7–8th, 2026, returning to the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta, for the third time. Now in its 12th edition, the Summit has established itself as one of Europe’s leading events for early-stage innovation, startup growth, and cross-border collaboration. Once more, the Summit brings together founders, investors, corporates, and startup ecosystem leaders from across Europe
Networking at Scale
A major focus of the 2026 edition will be networking at scale. Building on previous years, the event will feature a dedicated networking app alongside curated networking zones, facilitated investor–founder meetings, icebreaking sessions, and informal evening gatherings. These formats are designed to enable thousands of meaningful conversations and foster connections between founders, investors, potential co-founders, and strategic partners.
Main Stage: Learning from the Best
As for the main stage agenda, it will be focused on delivering practical value for aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage founders, and fast-growing startups. More than 80 speakers, including unicorn founders and leading European investors, will present keynotes, interviews, and panel discussions. Topics will center around emerging technologies, startup scaling, funding strategies, and lessons learned from building successful companies, with a strong emphasis on actionable insights. The exact agenda and speakers are yet to be finalized.
Spotlight on Europe’s Rising Stars
One of the event’s central highlights will be the Pitch Competition. From more than 1,500 startup applications, 15 of Europe’s most promising early-stage startups will be selected to pitch live on stage in front of prominent investors and an engaged audience. The winning team will receive a prize package valued at EUR 1M+, as well as extensive visibility within the European startup ecosystem. Founders are welcome to apply before February 8th.
A Gathering to Explore, Discover, Connect
The EU-Startups Summit 2026 is expected to attract around 2,500 attendees, including startup founders, venture capitalists, corporates, accelerators, and other ecosystem stakeholders. Structured matchmaking, side events, and in-person networking opportunities will further support meaningful engagement throughout the two-day conference.
The Exhibition Hall will feature 70+ exhibitors, ranging from high-growth startups to established technology companies. This dedicated space will serve as a hub for discovering new products, services, and tools, as well as for exchanging ideas and exploring potential collaborations across sectors.
Why Malta?
Malta continues to strengthen its reputation as an emerging European startup hub. Its supportive business environment and growing communities across a variety of sectors make the island an increasingly attractive destination for innovation-driven companies. Combined with its historic setting and Mediterranean climate, Malta provides a distinctive backdrop for a major international startup gathering.
In a Nutshell
- Where: Mediterranean Conference Center, Valletta, Malta
- When: May 7–8th, 2026
- More information on the event’s website
- Tickets cost EUR 175-600, available here, use promo code ITKEY20 for 20% off
- For additional inquiries: david@eu-startups.com
After two amazing editions in Malta, we’re very happy to return in 2026. Malta is proving to be a vibrant hub for innovation, and the energy from our past events there has been fantastic. We look forward to welcoming even more Founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts next May for what promises to be another standout edition.
– Thomas Ohr, Founder and CEO at EU-Startups
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!
