START-UP CHALLENGE

The Start-up Challenge competition broadens horizons. The event is an exchange of ideas and a mine of trends that involve creative ferment.

In September, creators and leaders of the most interesting Polish and European start-ups will appear on the stage of the European Economic Congress for the sixth time. Winners can count on media coverage and an open sesame to the world of big business. A hundred of the best will compete for awards and support for their idea, and the selected eighteen will present themselves on the stage of the European Economic Congress.

Participation in the competition provides an opportunity to learn from the best, present oneself in front of potential investors, and acquire a business partner from among thousands of entrepreneurs ready to invest in innovative ideas. Winning the competition will provide an incredible opportunity to become recognisable in the media and, above all, to obtain substantive, organisational or financial support.

We do not create any barriers in the Start-up Challenge competition – start-ups that are active in various sectors of the economy or social life can declare their participation in the competition. The only formal condition is for the applying entity to have been present in the market for not more than five years. An entity applying for the Start-up Challenge competition is required to have introduced an innovation in one of the following forms: product, technology, business model or optimised process.

Apply!

An idea is the first step on the road to success. If you have one that can attract already developed companies or investment funds, take part in the Start-up Challenge, introduce yourself to the business world and interest potential partners in your innovative solution. Maybe it is your innovative path that corporations or financial markets are looking for?

Get inspired!

Apply and meet others who, like you, are taking their first steps in business. Tell others about your concept and listen to their comments. Confront those who have succeeded. Learn which door to knock on and how to tailor a strategy for action to your idea. Meet mentors, investors and presidents of the largest companies in Poland, all of whom will be brought together in one place at the same time during the European Economic Congress.

Choose your category

The competition covers six industry-specific categories:

NEW INDUSTRY – Industry 4.0, robotics, automation, manufacturing systems, new materials, and the space industry;
ENVIRONMENT – Environmental protection: technologies for climate, organic farming, smart energy, the use of raw materials, and waste recycling;
TRADITION & MODERNITY – Traditional industry, the energy industry, telecommunications, transport, and construction;
HEALTH & BIOTECHNOLOGY – Medicine, health, medical technologies, pharmacy, and biotechnology;
BUSINESS PROCESSES – Management, business intelligence, ICT, cybersecurity, logistics, and HR;
CLIENT & LIFESTYLE – Trade and retail, customer experience, e-commerce, fintech, edutech, gaming, sport, and the leisure industry.

Fill in the form

Don’t wait, apply today. Fill in the form

Applications will be accepted until 30 July 2021.

Announcement of the results of the competition and presentation of awards will take place at a gala during the European Economic Congress that will be held on 20–22 September 2021.

Download

Competition Terms and Conditions_2021

Substantive Assessment Form_2021

Formal Assessment Form_2021