Young entrepreneurs across Europe have until 20 September to put their start-up ideas forward for the 2026 Youth Start-Up Challenge.
Have an idea for a start-up that could tackle a real-world problem? The European Commission is looking for young entrepreneurs aged 18–25 to take part in the 2026 Youth Start-Up Challenge.
The challenge is open to applicants living in an EU Member State or a country associated with the SME pillar of the Single Market Programme. Ideas can address areas including sustainability, digitalisation, social inclusion, innovation and economic resilience.
The application is deliberately straightforward: entrants need to submit a two-minute video explaining their idea and a business plan of no more than three pages, both in English.
Three finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas at the SME & Clusters Assembly in Dublin from 2–4 November 2026, in front of policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs. The winner will also receive an invitation to the European Innovation Council Summit 2027.
The deadline is 20 September 2026.
If you’re 18–25 and have an idea worth building, this could be a useful opportunity to put it in front of a European audience.
Find out more and apply
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