Are you 18–25 years old and have an innovative start-up idea addressing a real-world challenge? The Youth Start-Up Challenge 2026 (YSC 2026) gives you the opportunity to showcase your idea at European level and connect with entrepreneurs, investors and members of the European entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Who can apply?

Young people aged 18–25, resident in an EU Member State or a country participating in the Single Market Programme.

Ideas addressing areas such as:

• 🌱 green transition and sustainability;
• 💻 digital transformation;
• 🤝 social inclusion;
• 💡 innovation;
• 📈 economic resilience.

What do you need to submit?

Your application must be submitted in English and include:

• 🎥 a maximum 2-minute vertical video presenting the problem, solution and your start-up idea;
• 📄 a business plan of maximum 3 pages.

📅 Deadline: 20 September 2026

A jury will select 3 finalists based on creativity, originality and communication.

The finalists will be invited to the SME & Clusters Assembly 2026 in Dublin, Ireland, 2–4 November 2026, where they will pitch their ideas live on stage.

🏆 The winner will be invited to the European Innovation Council (EIC) Summit 2027.

🚀 How to apply

Prepare your video and business plan and submit your application online by 20 September 2026.

Learn more and apply – Youth Start-Up Challenge 2026

📧 Questions: smeweek@loweurope.eu

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