Startup Program

JOIN THE WAIT LIST

We invite the most promising Seed Stage and Series A startups to join Pioneers'18 for FREE and showcase their innovations before a global community of 2,500 founders, investors, innovation executives, international media and public sector representatives.
What's in it for you? Find out below!


A program for Seed Stage startups
Pioneers500

Seed Stage startups which have the prototype ready or product close to market and raised up to ~3M € funding.


Free Tickets

Get two free tickets for your team members which grant you all-inclusive access to the event.

Bring your team

Get the chance to buy an additional discounted startup ticket.

Networking

Meet our network of top investors, executives, founders and international media, all under one roof.

Exhibit

Be automatically considered among the 100 startups for exhibiting.

Publicity

Meet 150+ international media on-site, incl. CNBC as key media partner.

Pitching

Be automatically considered for the Pioneers Challenge:
  • Out of the Pioneers500, a jury will nominate the most outstanding 50 Seed Stage startups to pitch at the event.
  • These Top50 finalists will fine-tune their pitch at Mentors Day on May 23rd and will pitch on the 24th in front of 400 international investors and media.
  • The best 8 startups will advance to the finals and will pitch again at the main stage on May 25th right before the closing event.

A program for Series A startups

Series A startups who have the product on the market already, are generating revenues, validating their business model and raised up to ~15M € funding.


Free Tickets

Get two free tickets for your team members which grant you all-inclusive access to the event.

Bring your team

Get the chance to buy an additional discounted startup ticket.

Networking

Meet our network of top investors, executives, founders and international media, all under one roof.

Exclusive workshops

Attend tailored workshops for the Series A startups.

Round table discussions

Take an active part together with pre-selected corporate executives.

Stage time

Be automatically considered for possible speakers slots at the Academy or Masterclass


Topics

  • Exploration of new Spaces
    Technologies used and their impact on terrestrial lives
    quantum computing, data analytics, rocketry
  • Leaving the Safe Zone
    The changing distribution of economical power
    GovTech, security, emerging markets, bringing wealth to people
  • New Ways of Mobility
    An industry changing the energy grid
    Sensors, AI, batteries, security, regulations
  • Sustainability
    An outlook on resources, distribution and needed changes
    AgTech, FoodTech, new energies
  • Human and Machines
    Interaction in various settings
    Intelligent interfaces, Sensor appliances, IoT, AR, VR, AI
  • Recreation
    It’s time to play
    Gaming, Entertainment, Sports, Arts&Culture, AR, VR
  • Human Excellence
    Science driving human capabilities
    Neurotech, Genomics, Implants, Wearables


Success story last year

Let’s succeed together!

In 2017 the spoils of victory for winning Pioneers Challenge powered by PwC included a networking and business development trip to Silicon Valley, as well as feature coverage with CNBC. In their trip to California, our winners Stromkind met figures including Y Combinator CEO Michael Seibel, ace investor Tim Draper and communications expert Nancy Duarte.

Watch the video of their trip here



FAQ



  1. Why should I participate in Pioneers'18?
  2. How do I apply?
  3. How are startups selected?
  4. When will I know if I'm selected?
  5. What happens if I'm selected?
  6. How can I pitch or exhibit?
  7. How much does it cost?
  8. What if I redeem my ticket but cannot attend after all?

Why should I participate in Pioneers'18?

Pioneers events are one of the most founder-friendly events going. You’ll meet the best partners, investors, media and world-class, inspirational speakers. And as one of our selected startups, it’s free!

How do I apply?

Fill in your application carefully, including your pitch deck and pictures. The more precise information you give, the higher your chances. And the earlier you apply, the better. Remember the deadline is April 7.



JOIN THE WAIT LIST

How are startups selected?

This is based on pre-defined criteria including the product, traction, market potential and team evaluation, as well as the fit for the event. We’re continuously screening applications and evaluate them in collaboration with our key partners in the corporate, investment and startup communities.

When will I know if I’m selected?

We’ll get in touch with you in April the latest.

What happens if I’m selected?

You get two free ticket for all-inclusive access to the event and will be considered for exhibiting, early stage startups also for pitching at the event.

How can I pitch or exhibit?

We’ll select 50 early-stage pitching startups and 100 exhibiting startups around three weeks before the event. You don’t need to apply separately.

How much does it cost?

Selected startups need to cover their travel and accommodation. The event ticket is completely free of charge.

What if I redeem my ticket but cannot attend after all?

Please inform us by May 14, if this is the case, so we can allocate your ticket to another deserving startup. If you don’t let us know by this date, we reserve the right to charge a cancellation fee of €600 excluding VAT.

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