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VDS 2025 Startup Competition

International startup competition aimed at finding the most disruptive startups with outstanding potential around the world!

International startup competition aimed at finding the most disruptive startups with outstanding potential around the world!

Why Apply?

The VDS Startup Competition welcomes startups from around the world that are dedicated to creating solutions with a positive social impact, serving as catalysts for sustainable and positive change across all sectors.

Participating startups have at least an MVP and present compelling proposals for investors, financial institutions, and companies. These projects are technically and commercially viable, scalable, and have the potential for internationalization and application in other countries.

5 categories will be presented: 

  • Digital Transformation & Enterprise Solutions

    Software Enterprise / Business Industry 4.0 Logistics / Mobility / Automotive Talent / Recruiting / HR Cybersecurity Hardware Future Cities

  • Consumer Technologies & Services

    Mobile / App Fintech / Insurtech E-commerce Proptech / Real Estate Legal / Legaltech

  • Social Impact & Sustainability

    Social Impact Cleantech / Energy / Sustainability Health / Wellbeing / Medtech Education / Edtech Agrotech Foodtech Fashion / Textile / Design

  • Media & Entertainment

    Advertising / Marketing Media / Content Traveltech / Tourism Gaming / Entertainment / eSports SportsTech Hospitality

  • Emerging Technologies

    Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning / Big Data Blockchain / Web 3.0 Internet of Things Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Quantum Computing

Who can apply?

  • Early stage track

    • Stage: up until Series A.

    • Founding year: between 2020-2025

    • Number of employees: under 50 people

    • Type of activity: to build or to market software or hardware products

     

  • Growth stage track

    • Stage: between Series A and C

    • Founding year: between 2010-2025

    • Number of employees: under 100 people

    • Type of activity: to build or to market software or hardware products.

     

Timeline

  • June 27: applications close
  • July 4: the Top 50 startups are selected.
    • For each of the 5 categories, 5 early-stage startups and 5 growth stage startups are selected. 
  • July 18: the Top 10 Finalists are selected. 
    • 5 early-stage startups and 5 growth stage startups are selected.
  • October 23: the Winners are selected during the Awards Ceremony. 

Benefits

  • Pitch Competition Winners will receive

    • Own exhibition space at VDS2026*

    • 4 VDS2025 Attendee Passes for free** 

    • Invitation to the Guest Reception on the 21nd of October (Valencia, Spain)

    • Access to the VIP/Business Lounges

    • Exclusive networking opportunities at VDS2025

    • Meet international press for the promotion of the winning startup

    • Interview with both winners (Early and Growth) that will be published on our blog after VDS

    • A dedicated article as a winner published on the VDS website and promoted across VDS marketing channels

    • Media coverage: startups will have the opportunity to be interviewed by our media partners who will enhance their visibility before, during, and after the event.

    • Mentions on VDS Social Media and Newsletter

    • A VDS trophy

     

  • Pitch Competition finalists will receive

    • A free Speaker Pass for the person doing the pitch

    • Pitch opportunity on the Main Stage during the Competition Finale

    • 4 VDS2025 Business Passes for free** 

    • Invitation to the Guest Reception on the 21nd of October (Valencia, Spain)

    • Access to the VIP/Business Lounges

    • Media coverage: startups will have the opportunity to be interviewed by our media partners who will enhance their visibility before, during, and after the event.

    • One highlight article on our blog previous to VDS2025 featuring the finalists including their statements

    • Networking opportunities through the VDS App

    • Mention on the VDS2025 website as a Finalist or TOP 10 of the Competition and the category in which the startup was selected. 

    • Mentions on Social Media and Newsletter

  • Startups in the Top 50 will receive

    • A free Pitcher Pass for the person doing the pitch

    • 2 VDS2025 Business Passes for free

    • Pitch Opportunity at VDS2025 (Time and place TBC by the Organiser)

    • Mentions on Social Media and Newsletter

    • Mention on the VDS2025 website as Top 50 of the competition and the category in which the startup was selected.