Alumni Startup Competition

Apply before 1 September 2026. One form. Ten Minutes.

Apply

Here's everything you need to know before you start. 

Who can apply? 

The competition is open to applicants who meet both of the following criteria: 

• You are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from, the EIT Digital Master School or Doctoral School (DSL or iDSL).
• You are a founder of an incorporated startup (any stage, any sector, anywhere in the world). 

Deadline 

Applications close on 1 September 2026, 23:59 CEST. We recommend submitting your application early. Our selection committee reviews applications on a rolling basis and may contact you with follow-up questions. 

What do you get? 

All eligible applicants will receive a waived first-year membership fee to access the exclusive 28DIGITAL Founders Club. 

Start your application

Get shortlisted mid-September 2026. As a shortlisted candidate you will have access to the Final Prize or Special Prizes.

Who reviews applications?

Each application is carefully reviewed by a cross-functional selection team from 28DIGITAL, bringing together expertise from our innovation, education, and marketing teams. Each application is assessed using a scorecard developed by the selection committee.

Evaluation criteria 

Every startup is assessed on: 

• Problem
• Solution
• Target customer(s)
• Market opportunity
• Traction & validation
• Team 

Next step 

The best startups move forward to the video pitch round. You'll hear back from us in September, whether or not you advance to the next round.

Submit Video Pitch in October 2026. Finalists selected.

What you submit?

A 2-minute video pitch. Tell us who you are, what you're building, why it matters, and where you're headed. 

Who evaluates?

The 28DIGITAL Management Committee reviews every video. This is your chance to be seen by the people shaping the future of European innovation. 

Evaluation criteria 

The Management Committee will evaluate pitches based on:

• Strategic fit with 28DIGITAL: Does the startup contribute to 28DIGITAL's mission and strategic priorities?
• Potential for ecosystem engagement: Can the startup meaningfully engage with the 28DIGITAL community? Will it both benefit from and contribute to the ecosystem?
• European impact: Does the startup strengthen European competitiveness, technological leadership or societal resilience?  

What’s at stake? 

Selected finalists unlock:

• Access to exclusive prizes (e.g. conference tickets, mentorship, etc.).
• A spot on stage at the Graduation event.
• Visibility with investors and across 28DIGITAL channels.

Take the Stage on 28 November 2026. Pitch live at the 28DIGITAL graduation ceremony.

The format 

We will fly you to Helsinki for our 2026 Master School Graduation Ceremony, where you will pitch live to the final jury, comprising private and public investors, 28DIGITAL's CEO, and members of the 28DIGITAL Corporate Innovation Club. Your pitch will be followed by a live Q&A session.

Who’s in the room? 

Investors, graduates, and the jury. The wider 28DIGITAL community will also be in the audience: future customers, hires, and co-investors. 

What’s at stake?

• €5,000 cash prize.
• The title of 28DIGITAL Alumni Startup of the Year.