Share your innovation with global investors in Davos

Applications are open to startups at late seed to Series A stage developing innovative solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainable technologies, digital infrastructure, mobility, health technology, and related fields. Companies should typically demonstrate a working product, deployed pilot, or early market traction, together with a clear pathway for international scalability.

Submitting an application to the EAES Startup Pitch Arena is free of charge. Startups selected to present in the Arena will be invited to participate without a pitching fee. Startups that are not selected but wish to attend the Summit and connect with investors may do so using a discounted startup ticket.

Applicants will normally be asked to provide a short description of their company, a pitch deck, and a brief outline of their business plan. This should typically cover the problem being solved, the proposed solution, market potential, competitive landscape, business model, development roadmap, and basic financial projections.

In some cases applicants may be asked to provide a short video introducing their startup and explaining the innovation. This helps the review panel better understand the team and the product.

Most founders can complete the application in around 15–20 minutes, depending on how much detail they choose to include and whether supporting materials are uploaded.

Applications are reviewed by the EAES selection committee together with members of the investor and industry advisory network. Evaluation generally considers the strength of the innovation, market potential, scalability, team capability, and the broader economic or societal impact of the solution.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted startups will be contacted by the EAES team once the selection process is complete before the end of April 2026, and will receive details about participation in the Startup Pitch Arena.

Yes. Startups invited to pitch are expected to attend the Summit in person in Davos in order to deliver their presentation and participate in networking and investor meetings.

Presentations will be evaluated by a jury composed of experienced investors, industry leaders, and senior experts participating in the Summit.

Selected startups will be invited to deliver a short live presentation supported by slides. The presentation will typically be followed by a short question-and-answer session with the jury.

Yes. As EAES is an international summit with participants from many countries, presentations should be delivered in English.

The winning company will receive the EAES Innovation Award, presented during the Summit. The current award consists of a commemorative crystal trophy. If additional sponsorship allows for a financial prize, this will be announced ahead of the event.

No. The Startup Pitch Arena is designed to create opportunities for founders to meet investors and strategic partners. Any investment discussions or agreements take place independently between startups and investors.

The Startup Pitch Arena is intended for early-stage and scaling companies that have progressed beyond the idea stage. Applicants should ideally have a prototype, pilot deployment, early customers, or demonstrable traction. However, the most important factor is the strength of the innovation and its potential impact.

Yes. Startups selected to pitch are welcome to bring additional team members to the Summit. While one founder will normally deliver the presentation, other team members may attend meetings with investors, partners, and delegates during the event. Attendance will be subject to standard Summit registration arrangements.