2026 main events to get excited about
January 7, 2026|TA
We're excited to already announce a selection of main events!
This year's ViennaUP is shaping up to be full of thought-provoking talks, inspiring events and motivated speakers. The full programme is coming soon, but to whet your appetite, here are a selection of main events already confirmed for ViennaUP 2026 - a selection of returning favourites and some new formats.
Europe Tech Hackathon
15-17 May 2026 (WarmUP weekend)
This event challenges you to redefine the potential of AI agents. Tackle pressing challenges in sustainable mobility and corporate sustainability and shape solutions that create real-world impact. This is your chance to innovate, collaborate, and make a difference.
Find out more: Europe Tech Hackathon 2026
Startup Live'26
15-16 May 2026 (WarmUP weekend)
StartupLive is Europe's leading pre-acceleration program helping aspiring entrepreneurs transform their ideas into viable businesses. Intensive 36-hour events provide mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to accelerate your startup journey.
Find out more: StartupLive'26 ViennaUP | StartupLive Events
Startup World Cup Austria
18 May 2026
The Startup World Cup is the largest startup competition worldwide, with more than 70 countries taking part every year. Watch dynamic pitches, meet local VCs, angels, and accelerators, and connect with public agencies, hubs, and cluster networks.
Learn more: Startup World Cup Austria | Finale 18.05.2026
Impact Days
18-19 May 2026
The flagship conference of Impact Hub Vienna brings together entrepreneurs, social-impact investors, policymakers, civil-society leaders and innovation enthusiasts interested in social entrepreneurship, impact investing and sustainable transformation.
Find out more: Impact Days 2026 - Save the Date!
Connect Day
19 May 2026
The largest pitching & matchmaking event of the ViennaUP festival. The focus topics in 2026 are: MedTech & LifeScience, GreenTech & Manufacturing, UrbanTech & Energy Transition, and FrontierTech & AI.
Learn more: Home | Connect Day 26
CEE Innovation Forum
20 May 2025
An event focused on startups, innovation and venture-capital in Central and Eastern Europe. The Forum aims to act as a bridge between CEE and DACH ecosystems, facilitating cross-regional investments, partnerships, and international expansion for startups.
Find out more: The CEE Innovation Forum | The Recursive | LinkedIn
Road to Global
20-21 May 2026
Road to Global connects founders, investors, corporates, and innovation hubs from across Europe and beyond, all united by one goal: turning great ideas into global success stories.
Learn more: www.roadtoglobal.org
World Summit Awards Global Congress
20-22 May 2026
A global gathering of innovators, founders, activists, and changemakers sharing best practices of what technology can be: human centered, ethical, inclusive, and fair.
Discover more: WSA Global Congress in Vienna
{ founders only } – Health & Wealth
22 May 2026
250 founders form around the world come together for a day of growth, collaboration and inspiration. Join the event for a day of keynotes and fireside chats, workshops and masterclasses, matchmaking and more - all with the theme Health & Wealth.
Learn more: { founders only } | AustrianStartups
Want to be the first to know when the full programme and side events go live? Sign up to the ViennaUP newsletter to stay in the loop!