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Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

Youth Start-Up Challenge 2026: Turn Your Idea Into Europe's Next Big Thing

Do you have a start-up idea that could change the world, or at least your corner of it? Maybe you are building something with friends, as part of a university incubator, or within a cluster ecosystem? If you're 18-25 years old, this is your moment.

The European Commission has launched the 2026 Youth Start-Up Challenge (YSC), part of European SME Week and the broader Promoting Enterprise campaign. We are looking for the boldest, most original start-up ideas from young entrepreneurs across the EU and Single Market Programme countries, ideas that reflect the values shaping Europe's future, from sustainability and the green transition to digitalisation, social inclusion, innovation and resilience.

What We Are Looking For

We want start-up ideas that are original, impactful and grounded in European values. Strong entries will demonstrate

  • Creativity: a fresh, innovative approach to a real challenge
  • Originality: a unique idea with the potential to attract public interest and media attention
  • Communication: a clear, compelling case for why your idea matters now

Your idea should reflect one or more of Europe's key priorities: sustainability, the digital transition, social inclusion, innovation or economic resilience. Whether you are tackling climate change, reimagining how we work, or building a more inclusive economy, we want to hear from you.

How to Enter

Entering is straightforward. You will need to submit two things

  1. A video of no more than 2 minutes explaining your start-up idea and its relevance today
    • Your video should be 2 minutes maximum, in English, filmed vertically (portrait orientation), and structured as follows
      • Introduction (0:00–0:20) – introduce yourself and briefly describe your start-up or business idea
      • Problem (0:20–0:45) – explain the problem or challenge your start-up addresses
      • Solution (0:45–1:35) – describe your product, service or idea and how it responds to the problem
        • Where relevant, highlight contributions to innovation, sustainability, inclusion or other EU priorities
      • Closing statement (1:35–2:00) – summarise what your start-up aims to achieve and what support would help you scale further
  2. A short business plan of three pages maximum, outlining your concept and approach

Please submit both in English.

Submit all entries under a single applicant's name. If more than one person has worked on the idea, the team must designate one person to submit the entry and represent the project. If shortlisted, only that individual will be invited to pitch at the SME & Clusters Assembly in Dublin.

Eligibility

To take part in the YSC 2026, you must

  • be aged 18–25 (inclusive)
  • be resident in an EU country or a country associated with the SME pillar of the single market programme
  • submit only one entry

If your start-up is already a registered legal entity, it must be registered in the EU or an associated country.

What Happens Next

A distinguished jury will review all entries and shortlist the three best candidates based on creativity, originality and communication. The three finalists will be announced online and invited to attend the SME & Clusters Assembly 2026 in Dublin, Ireland, from 2–4 November 2026.

At a dedicated YSC session during the Assembly, finalists will pitch their idea live to the jury and the audience. The winner will be announced on stage, in front of policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and enterprise promoters from across Europe.

Please note that attendance at the SME & Clusters Assembly 2026 is limited to one representative per company.

The deadline for submissions is 20 September 2026.

Why Apply?

Previous editions have connected young entrepreneurs with investors, partners and the wider European enterprise community. Whether you are just starting out, part of a university incubator, or already embedded in a cluster ecosystem, the YSC is your opportunity to take your idea to a European stage. What’s more, it allows you to be part of the conversation shaping Europe's economic future.

Ready?

Start preparing your video and business plan today. Submit your entry before 20 September 2026 and join a growing community of young European entrepreneurs who are building something that matters.

For any questions, contact: smeweekatloweurope [dot] eu (smeweek[at]loweurope[dot]eu)

By submitting this application, you confirm your participation in the European SME Week Youth Start-Up Challenge 2026 and accept the Terms & Conditions. Submissions grant the European Commission the right to reproduce and distribute your video and business plan across electronic, print and other media. All submitted work must be original and must not infringe third-party rights.

Good luck.