CEE Startup Challenge
Location: Online
Applications close on the 17th of November
The CEE Startup Challenge is a competition for startups and scaleups based in Central and Eastern Europe. It aims to facilitate connections between 200 startups and scaleups from the region with opportunities to connect with 200+ international VCs, including renowned VC funds. The event focuses on various verticals, including SaaS, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and more, and offers substantial benefits to the selected participants. These benefits include personalized guidance from experts in grant writing, business tools, securing investment from recognized VC funds, and accessing valuable credits and support from industry giants like AWS, OVHcloud, HubSpot, Stripe, Microsoft Azure, and more.
OCTOBER 2023
The Engaged Investments Conference
Location: Prague, Czech
Date: OCT 24-25, 2023
Join Prague's Engaged Investments conference, organized by DEPO Ventures, is scheduled for October 24-25, 2023. It will feature renowned investors like Marvin Liao, Mary McKenna, and Keith Grose. The event aims to foster networking and knowledge sharing among investors in Central and Eastern Europe. The first day will focus on startups, showcasing portfolio companies and hosting the Startup World Cup regional finale. The second day is dedicated to investors, featuring discussions and workshops on investment trends and opportunities in the region.
Urban Tech Forward
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: OCT 25 -26, 2023
Urban Tech Forward, Europe's event for urban tech innovators, convenes 1,000+ attendees from 40+ countries. With 100+ speakers and two networking days, the focus is on decarbonizing cities for a sustainable future, crucial as urbanization accelerates. The event features insightful discussions, startup pitch battles, speed networking, and an innovation exhibit. Held in Warsaw, it's organized by Futurae Media, a disruptor in tech-focused events, aiming to unite stakeholders to address sustainability through technology.
Brandminds Summit 2023
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Date: OCT 27, 2023
Join the Business Strategy Masterclass on October 27th, 2023, featuring Professor Costas Markides, an esteemed expert in strategy and innovation from London Business School. With over 20 years of research, Professor Markides will delve into corporate entrepreneurship, strategy, and disruptive innovation. Gain insights into developing strategies in today's volatile world, fostering a culture of innovation, mobilizing organizational support for digital transformation, and effectively managing talent. Apply these lessons to enhance business strategy, innovation focus, leadership skills, and informed decision-making.
NOVEMBER 2023
Deep Tech Summit
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: NOV 20-22, 2023
The Deep Tech Summit connects investors, startups, scientists, engineers, and industry leaders in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. It's an event focusing on startups rooted in research or high-tech engineering, addressing complex challenges. The event brings together 700+ attendees from 15+ countries, including 350+ startups, 150 investors, and representatives from 150+ local ecosystems in the CEE. With 25+ investment funds and media, it amplifies the potential of deep tech to drive innovation and investment in the CEE region.
Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS)
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Date: NOV 22-23, 2023
The Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) is an annual gaming conference focused on the gaming and entertainment industry in the European region. It convenes over 250 industry representatives from 22 countries to provide insights into regulatory and technological advancements. EEGS serves as a platform to deepen knowledge, connect with industry experts, and stay updated on emerging opportunities and challenges in the European gaming sector. The event facilitates networking, interactive trainings, and discussions, making it a valuable experience for enhancing competence and strengthening business connections. EEGS features over 50 speakers and 300+ delegates, covering crucial topics and trends in both land-based and online gaming.
Health Tech Forward
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: NOV 29 - 30, 2023
Health Tech Forward, Europe's premier event for health tech innovation, returns on November 28-29, 2023, in Warsaw, Poland. With 1,000+ attendees from 40+ countries and a lineup of 150+ speakers, including digital health entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders, the event will spotlight trends shaping the future of healthcare. Experience two days of quality content, empowering keynotes, interactive discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities, focusing on the transformative technologies revolutionizing health and wellness.
DECEMBER 2023
Touch Summit
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Date: DEC 7-8, 2023
Touch Summit is an annual event bringing together knowledge, startups and investors in Tbilisi, Georgia. Touch Summit's core principle is learning, sharing, connecting, investing and collaborating to make the world a better place. The event has a rich track record of: 350+ speakers, 5,000+ participants, 400+ startups, 100+ investors, representatives from over 20 countries. Startups by showcasing in pitch competitions will have a chance to win investments of up to $1M. Take part in matchmaking sessions, network with international venture capital funds and angel investors, and mentoring sessions with renowned entrepreneurs. The event originated in 2016 when one of its founders organized a networking event to bring together digital marketers and UX designers. The goal of the event was to educate and share knowledge on how companies are utilizing digital tools, technologies and platforms.
JANUARY 2024
sTARTUp Day
Location: Estonia, Online
Date: JAN 24-26, 2024
Join for sTARTUp Day 2024 is the business festival in Tartu, Estonia, immerse in a startup-minded community, featuring 150+ speakers, 4,000 attendees each year. In its seventh year, the 2023 festival will focus on hot topics like AI, EdTech, FemTech, SexTech, HealthTech, and essential entrepreneurial skills. You'll hear inspiring startup success stories and valuable lessons from founders. Plus, there's a startup pitching competition with up to €500,000 up for grabs. Don't miss the afterparty and other thrilling side events. Experience the unique festival atmosphere where the startup mindset thrives.
FEBRUARY 2024
Innovation Explorer
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Date: FEB 22, 2024
"Innovation Explorer" is an event that focuses on cultivating an innovation culture in Bulgarian business and academic communities. The event aims to emphasize the significance of change and innovation in a rapidly evolving world. It encourages attendees to embrace change as a driver of growth and development. The event will provide insights into Systematic Innovation methodologies through training, seminars, and consultancy, emphasizing their application in business processes. The overarching goal is to empower companies to achieve sustainable growth through practical actions in new business development, problem-solving, and organizational setup. The event is organized and delivered by Innovation StarterBox.
MARCH 2024
CEE VC SUMMIT 2024
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: MAR 19-20, 2024
Mark your calendars for March 19-20, 2024, as Warsaw becomes the epicenter of Central & Eastern European (CEE) venture capital. The CEE VC Summit, hosted by Vestbee, the region's foremost platform connecting startups with global VC funds and accelerators, is an exclusive, invitation-only event that unites nearly 200 VC fund managers from CEE and Western European VC ecosystems. This two-day summit is unparalleled in its scale and focus on fostering cross-border connections between VC fund managers (GPs) and handpicked LPs. Throughout the conference, top VC fund leaders delve into market trends, the challenges and opportunities within the CEE ecosystem, fund fundraising, LP relationship building, effective portfolio management and valuation, board dynamics, and value creation strategies.
APRIL 2024
Tech Chill
Location: Latvia, Riga
Date: APR 17-19, 2024
TechChill Riga, the premier technology and startup event in the Baltic region, is an event with over 2,300 participants, making it a large-scale gathering of key players in the technology and startup ecosystem. The event is a magnet for investors, attracting over 230 people looking for promising ventures and around 300 of the region's fastest growing startups, making it an important platform for emerging companies. TechChill Riga also attracts media attention: the event is covered by about 100 representatives. In addition, it is a center for innovative corporations, attracting the most advanced companies. During 3 dynamic days, TechChill Riga hosts pitch battles, investor presentations and lively parties organized by a non-profit foundation that aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem in the Baltic States.
Present to Succeed
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Date: TBC , 2024
Join Present to Succeed Conference with over 5,000 professionals from industries who want to advance their communication & presentation skills. Whether you're in sales, marketing, tech, HR, or startups, your presentation skills matter. Learn from 30+ experts for 3 days of sessions and masterclasses on storytelling, public speaking, body language, persuasion, data visualization, slide design, and much more. The conference will be led by 356labs, a leading presentation agency that has worked with brands like Microsoft, Deloitte, Nestle, CocaCola, Telus, Paysafe, Gameloft, and many more.
MAY 2024
Podim
Location: Slovenia, Maribor
Date: MAY 13-15, 2024
Podim is one of the startup and tech events in the CEE region, situated in Slovenia. It serves as a hub where innovation converges with business prospects, funding opportunities, and knowledge exchange. The event gathers a diverse lineup of speakers, each contributing valuable insights, experience, and success stories to enrich the event, held live in Maribor. As a pivotal player in the regional startup ecosystem, Podim facilitates meaningful connections and collaborations by uniting international investors, established corporations, startups, and scaleups from the Alps-Adriatic and Western Balkans regions. To ensure optimal learning and networking quality, Podim strategically limits the number of participants to 1,000, providing ample opportunities to personally engage with distinguished speakers and connect with investors, business leaders, and fellow participants. One of Podim DX’s biggest differentiators is Deal Room, their match-making scheduling app, which makes it much easier to connect with the right people. It’s a cool solution to a common challenge at conferences like this.
Impact'24
Location: Poznan, Warsaw
Date: MAY 15-16, 2024
Join Impact'24 on May 15-16, 2024, in Poznań. This event brings together innovation leaders across various sectors to explore the opportunities for shaping the global digital future. Impact'24 covers a range of thematic tracks, including but not limited to Industry 4.0, 5G, Internet of Everything (IoE), fintech, biotechnology & digital health, transportation, energy & environment, science-to-business collaboration, investments, and entrepreneurship. With a notable presence of industry experts, the event serves as a pivotal platform for learning, networking, and advancing key agendas.
Digitalk 2024
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Date: MAY 16, 2024
Join Digitalk Conference 2024 for a dynamic one-day event with 40+ expert speakers, 1000 + attendees, both onsite and online. At Digitalk Conference, startups gain invaluable networking opportunities and insights into cutting-edge digital transformation trends. In 2023, Digitalk delved into purpose-driven investments, climate tech, deep tech, AI, the evolving VC landscape, and strategies for startup resilience during economic downturns. Join for a transformative experience. Connect with innovators and investors, embracing disruption to create a brighter future.
Deeptech Trial by Fire
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: TBC
Deeptech Trial by Fire is a competition designed for deep-tech startups from Poland and Ukraine. It offers an opportunity to showcase your startup, connect with investors and industry experts, expand your network, and contribute to discussions about the needs of deep tech startups. The winners will have the chance to attend the prestigious Web Summit in Lisbon, one of Europe's major startup events. The competition deadline is 31st May, and the finale is scheduled for 28th June in Warsaw. Stay tuned for updates on the competition through their social media and website. For more information and to participate, fill out the provided form. Terms and conditions can be found on their website.
Latitude59
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Date: MAY 22-24, 2024
Latitude59 is a premier startup and tech event held in Tallinn from May 22-24, 2024. It's renowned for bringing startups and investors together, offering a platform for networking, fundraising, and media attention. The event includes a Pitch Competition with a €1 million prize fund, Demo Area for startups to showcase their products, and a matchmaking system to connect with relevant individuals. Latitude59 aims to tackle global challenges by harnessing the power of the startup and tech community, with a focus on envisioning the future and taking meaningful actions. With 3,000 attendees from over 50 countries, 160+ speakers, and various side events, it provides an intimate and impactful experience in the vibrant startup ecosystem.
Infoshare
Location: Katowice-Gdynia, Poland
Date: MAY 22-23, 2024
Infoshare 2024, scheduled for May 22-23 in Gdańsk, is a pinnacle event for tech enthusiasts. Gathering over 6,500 attendees, 150+ speakers, and 500+ startups, it's a hotspot for software developers, entrepreneurs, investors, and more. Rooted in a passion for technology and community, Infoshare fosters knowledge sharing, innovation, and networking.
Food Tech Congress
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: MAY 29-30, 2024
Fostering food tech innovation, the annual Food Tech Congress will take place on May 29-30, 2024, in Warsaw, Poland. This event brings together food tech entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and government leaders from across the globe to collaborate and drive the industry forward. The congress will feature 12 conference themes covering topics such as food as medicine, alternative proteins, food waste, and agritech 5.0. Attendees can expect engaging discussions and ample networking opportunities to spur innovative solutions in the food industry. The event includes segments like "Food For Thought" on market dynamics and impactful discussions, "Innovators’ Spotlight" showcasing thriving startups, "Food Tech Challengers" featuring promising startups' pitches, curated networking sessions, and an exhibit space for meaningful interactions. Additionally, the event offers a balance of entertainment, live music, city tours, and innovative food experiences, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
LOGIN
Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
Date: MAY 30-31, 2024
LOGIN is one of the content-rich innovation event in the Baltic States. Considered a festival, it draws around 4,000 tech-savvy individuals eager for knowledge and change. Celebrating its 17th year, LOGIN aims to explore the impacts and challenges posed by technological advancements, inspiring attendees with mind-boggling insights. It's a space to delve into groundbreaking ideas that could birth the next unicorn and glimpse into the future. Scheduled for May 30-31, 2024, this event boasts 200+ speakers across 5 stages, offering 2 days of enriching content. It's a place where groundbreaking concepts are born and discussed. Attendees will hear insights from innovators, industry leaders, and global visionaries, sparking inspiration both professionally and personally. The speaker lineup is continually updated to cater to diverse interests.
JUNE 2024
Webit
Location: TBC
Date: JUN TBC, 2024
Join Webit, a tech community with over 12 years of experience, in connecting with thousands of tech enthusiasts. Benefit from fundraising opportunities, valuable networking, and lead generation. Webit hosts global events in cities like Sofia, Istanbul, Dubai, New Delhi, and Singapore. These tech festivals attract over 15,000 in-person attendees and more than 100,000 virtual attendees from 190+ countries. Don't miss the Founders Games Finals, where selected founders compete for a $6M funding award.
The Carpathian Startup Fest (CSF24)
Location: Rzeszow, Poland
Date: JUN 5-6, 2024
The Carpathian Startup Fest (CSF24) is an annual event organized by Rzeszow Regional Development Agency, Podkarpackie Science and Technology Park “Aeropolis,” and partners. This event focuses on promoting entrepreneurship and technology by bringing together startups, investors, corporate partners, media, and founders. CSF24 offers a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration, featuring two days of insightful speeches, lectures, and panel discussions. Whether you're looking for funding, aiming to enhance your business, improve brand positioning, or connect with fellow hi-tech enthusiasts, CSF24 provides a valuable opportunity to achieve your goals.
The Unchain Fintech Festival
Location: TBC
Date: TBC
The Unchain Fintech Festival is a significant gathering for professionals in the financial sector, including bankers, financial institutions, technology providers, startups, investors, and other stakeholders in the Central Eastern Europe (CEE) ecosystem. The event offers a platform to discuss the latest trends, explore business opportunities, and ignite innovation in fintech and blockchain. Unchain aims to unite both public and private sectors globally to advance fintech topics in the CEE region and beyond. Through a 2-day festival, attendees will have the chance to connect, learn about emerging trends, and discover vibrant digital solutions while honoring the rich heritage of the CEE region.
Bucharest Technology Week
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Date: JUN 10-16, 2024
Bucharest Technology Week is a dynamic event reflecting rapid tech-driven lifestyle shifts. In the previous edition, it emphasized adapting to a transformed world driven by innovation, digitization, and technology—a paradigm shift in our lives. The event drew 1,500+ business professionals, offering tailored agenda sessions, 60+ topics, and 30+ hours of diverse content. Attendees engaged with 50+ speakers and explored tech through workshops. The indoor exhibition showcased 60+ exhibitors and 800+ products. Five business summits covered hot tech topics, offering effective networking and business opportunities for 1,300+ tech leaders. Overall, Bucharest Technology Week is a vital gathering for tech enthusiasts and leaders, fostering growth, networking, and knowledge exchange.
Women in Tech
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: JUN 12-13, 2024
The biggest conference and career fairs for women in tech in Europe, Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit 2024, is set to take place on June 12-13, 2024, at Expo XXI in Warsaw, Poland (also available online). The previous year's summit attracted 11,000 participants, featured 500 speakers, covered 200 tech topics across 4 stages, and included 85 tech companies at career fairs, 300 mentoring sessions, 50 specialized workshops, and 20 side events over 2 days of inspiration. The event aims to inspire and empower women in STEM, tech, and IT, offering a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge expansion, career growth, and collaboration. This year's focus is on "Making Bold Choices," with a goal to influence the future of technology and the world while celebrating and connecting within the tech community.
Techsylvania
Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Date: JUN 26-27, 2024
Techsylvania is an annual tech conference held in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, Romania. It serves as a platform for tech enthusiasts, professionals, startups, and industry leaders to come together and explore the latest advancements and trends in technology. The event features multiple stages, including Center Stage, where knowledge and expertise in tech are highlighted, and Impact Stage, focusing on impactful business models and solutions. Participants can engage in discussions, gain insights, and network with professionals to understand the future of technology and its role in our rapidly evolving world.
EMERGE
Location: TBC
Date: TBC
EMERGE is a prominent tech conference focused on connecting startups and tech talent from emerging markets in CEE, MENA, Türkiye, and Central Asia with global investment, business opportunities, and career growth. The event gathers startups, investors, and industry professionals to explore investment prospects and innovative tech solutions. EMERGE Club offers exclusive benefits and access to investment opportunities and emerging startups. The event also publishes reports highlighting impactful startups and offers a platform for knowledge exchange through conferences, bootcamps, and an upcoming edtech platform. Established in 2018, EMERGE has become a leading startup conference in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, attracting experienced speakers and industry giants.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Infobip Shift
Location: Zadar, Croatia
Date: SEP 16-17, 2024
Infobip Shift is more than a developer event; it's a vibrant tech community gathering for learning, networking, and unforgettable experiences. Attendees include professionals, founders, leaders, and innovators. Shift offers engaging content, multiple tracks, and virtual experiences, all curated by Infobip to unite and inspire. Shift 2023 saw over 10,000 virtual and 5,000 in-person attendees, 80+ speakers, and 6 stages, leaving a lasting impact on the tech ecosystem. ShiftMag, a global platform, caters to software engineers, providing valuable insights and a sense of community. Shift is the premier developer event in Southeastern Europe, connecting bright developers globally.
Startup Fair
Location: Lithuania
Date: TBC
Startup Fair ADAPT is a prominent international event in Lithuania, organized by Startup Lithuania and Innovation Agency Lithuania. The event encourages adaptation within the startup ecosystem, addressing the significant changes occurring globally. It offers a platform for networking, pitching innovative ideas, gaining advice from successful founders, and fostering investor-startup partnerships. The event includes conferences with local and international speakers discussing current industry trends and success stories, a pitch battle featuring promising startups, matchmaking opportunities, and an investor camp for networking and discussions. Attendees can engage with startups, investors, and experts from various countries, fostering collaboration and adaptation within the startup community.
OCTOBER 2024
HOW TO WEB
Location: TBC
Date: TBC
The How to Web Conference is Eastern Europe's event for startups and innovation. This conference serves as a meeting point for entrepreneurs, investors, tech executives, and innovators who are at the forefront of developing industry-changing solutions. At How to Web, participants explore the power of resilience and thriving during uncertain times. The event offers various networking areas, a powerful networking app, tailored business meetings, and engaging side events. Attendees can connect, collaborate, and make valuable connections in this vibrant community. The conference aims to empower entrepreneurs and innovators with the knowledge and relationships needed to drive success in their ventures.
NOVEMBER 2024
Untold Stories Conference
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Date: TBC
The Untold Stories Conference, scheduled for November 2024 in Budapest, Hungary, is an exclusive gathering with a founder-centric focus. The conference's primary mission is to shine a spotlight on some of the most promising startups in the region and facilitate connections with investors who can turn their dreams into reality through financial support and collaboration. The programming extends over 2 days and is designed to foster valuable connections, making it an excellent opportunity for startups and investors alike. What sets the Untold Stories Conference apart is its unique positioning in Hungary, a significant market with relatively few industry events. This conference breaks the mold and is worth attending for those interested in the Hungarian startup and VC ecosystem. For those seeking further motivation, there's a policy report from Startup Hungary, one of the conference organizers, which offers valuable insights into issues that may be impacting the Hungarian startup and VC landscape. It also sheds light on the investment opportunities present in the country.
Related Posts:
TOP Startup Events In Europe Worth Your Attention - 2023/2024 (by Sofia Drobychevskaya, Editor, Vestbee)
TOP 10 CEE+ Startup & Investor Events In 2023 (by Roman Nováček, Partner, Presto Ventures)
Top Startup Events In Europe Worth Your Attention (by Martyna Konys, Program Manager, Vestbee)
