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Startup Challenge 2026 – The Gap in Between
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Publish Date 7/7/2026 Application Deadline 7/14/2026 Opportunity Type Competitions Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World, The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

The Startup Challenge 2026, organized by The Gap in Between, is an international competition designed to support startups developing innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges. The competition connects entrepreneurs with investors, corporations, and decision-makers while providing a platform to showcase innovative projects, build strategic partnerships, and access investment and international growth opportunities. It is intended for startups that create measurable social or environmental impact while demonstrating a scalable and sustainable business model.
Details
  • Participation is free of charge.
  • The final pitch event will take place during The Gap in Between event in Valencia, Spain.
  • Up to 50 startups will be selected to join the event ecosystem.
  • 20 finalists will advance to the semi-finals to pitch before a jury and investors.
  • The competition focuses on the following sectors:
  • Climate and energy technologies.
  • Smart cities and mobility.
  • AgriTech and food systems.
  • Health, well-being, and care.
  • Social and economic systems.
  • Applications must be submitted online.
  • No application fee is required.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Open to startups from around the world.
  • The startup must be legally registered.
  • Applicants must have a validated Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a product already on the market.
  • The startup should be at an early or growth stage.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a clear and scalable business model.
  • The startup must have a committed founding team with the necessary expertise.
  • The solution should generate measurable social or environmental impact.
  • Applicants should demonstrate market validation through customers, pilot projects, partnerships, or active product use.
  • The project must fit within one of the competition's designated impact areas.
Opportunity Benefits
  • €10,000 cash prize for the overall winner.
  • Opportunity to pitch to international investors and leading companies.
  • Access to a global network of investors and strategic partners.
  • Opportunities to secure investment and strategic partnerships.
  • Increased visibility within the European innovation ecosystem.
  • Participation in networking sessions and business matchmaking activities.
  • Opportunities to expand into international markets.
  • Direct engagement with innovation experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.