VDS opens the call for the ninth edition of its Startup Competition, one of the leading international competitions in Europe for identifying and connecting the most promising startups in the global technology ecosystem. The initiative consolidates VDS as one of the main connection points between global entrepreneurial talent and international investment.
The competition is open to startups from any sector and background that have, at least, a minimum viable product (MVP) and a proposal with high scalability and impact potential. Applications can be submitted until June 7th and will be evaluated by an international jury composed of investors, industry experts and representatives of large corporations, who will analyse criteria such as innovation, business model and growth capacity.
Selected startups will present their project on the Main Stage of VDS 2026, which will take place on October 21st and 22nd at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia, in front of an audience of more than 12,000 professionals, over 800 investors with more than 300 billion euros in assets under management, 1,500 corporations and leaders of the international technology industry.
The winning startup, which will be announced during the second day of the event, will receive, among other recognitions, passes for VDS 2027. In addition, it will join Santander X 100, the global entrepreneurship community of Banco Santander that connects the most outstanding startups with investors, corporates and international growth opportunities.
The competition has recorded sustained growth in recent years, consolidating itself as a key platform for the discovery of entrepreneurial talent at an international level. In 2023, more than 600 applications were received, in 2024 more than 800 were registered, and in 2025 more than 1,100 startups participated.
As Juan Luis Hortelano, president of Startup Valencia, points out, “every year we receive startups with the potential to transform entire industries and generate a positive impact on society”. “With this new edition we want to continue connecting the most innovative startups with investors, corporations and international leaders, and accelerate the next generation of global technology companies”.
Selection process phases
The selection process will take place in several phases. The Top 100 will be announced after the close of applications in June, the Top 50 on June 24th and the 25 finalists in July.
Startups that reach the Top 50 may also be considered for the VDS Investment Award, an initiative that offers the possibility of accessing an investment process with tickets of up to 100,000 euros.
A total of 25 startups will be selected for the final phase. These companies will receive four Business Passes to access the B2B Forum of the technology event, a pitch on the Main Stage, as well as access to networking opportunities and visibility in front of investors, corporations and international media.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Sign up for the VDS Startup Competition by clicking here.
