Deadline: 23-Jan-2026
The Startup Fair 2026 Partnership Program invites experienced ecosystem players to co-create Lithuania’s premier startup event. Partners contribute to program development, international engagement, and strategic alignment to strengthen the regional startup landscape. This collaborative model offers organizations leadership roles, high-level networking, and official visibility in exchange for expertise and resource-backed contributions.
Startup Fair 2026 is the central pillar of Lithuania’s entrepreneurial calendar. Unlike traditional sponsorship, this partnership program focuses on co-creation, allowing experienced stakeholders to directly influence the event’s content, international reach, and strategic impact on the national startup ecosystem.
Why It Matters: Strengthening the Baltic Ecosystem
Lithuania has emerged as a high-growth tech hub in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Partnering with Startup Fair 2026 is critical for:
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Strategic Influence: Shaping the discourse on innovation, venture capital, and scaling.
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Regional Leadership: Positioning your organization as a thought leader in the Baltic and European tech sectors.
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Ecosystem Maturity: Directly contributing to the measurable success of local startups through better workshops, networking, and investor matchmaking.
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Network Expansion: Building deep, operational relationships with government bodies, investors, and corporate innovators.
Key Partnership Areas
Partners can contribute to one or more of the following domains:
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Programme & Content: Developing core themes, selecting keynote speakers, and organizing high-impact workshops or specialized side events.
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International Dimension: Leveraging global networks to bring in foreign venture capitalists (VCs), international speakers, and strategic cross-border partners.
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Community Activation: Engaging and mobilizing diverse groups, including early-stage startups, scale-ups, angel investors, and corporate partners.
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Participant Experience: Designing the “user journey,” including matchmaking formats, 1-on-1 meeting structures, and high-value networking sessions.
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Strategic Alignment: Ensuring all event activities support the long-term national goals of the Lithuanian startup ecosystem.
Who is Eligible?
This call is intended for established entities with a proven track record in the innovation and business sectors.
Target Organizations:
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Venture Capital Firms & Angel Networks: Interested in deal-flow and investor relations.
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Innovation Hubs & Accelerators: Focused on talent development and startup scaling.
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Corporate Partners: Looking to engage with open innovation and tech talent.
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Ecosystem Organizations: Non-profits and government agencies dedicated to economic growth.
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International Tech Networks: Organizations looking to bridge the Lithuanian market with global hubs.
How to Apply: The Pitch Process
Interested organizations must demonstrate how their specific expertise will improve the event’s quality.
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Preparation: Identify your organization’s unique value proposition (e.g., access to specific international speakers or a proprietary matchmaking methodology).
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Submission: Submit a short pitch or information package outlining your proposed contribution.
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Evaluation: Proposals are reviewed based on relevance, impact, and alignment with Startup Fair 2026 strategic goals.
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Resource Commitment: Ensure your organization can support the proposed involvement through its own internal resources and capacities.
Evaluation Criteria for Partners
Proposals are assessed based on the following metrics:
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Impact: The measurable value the contribution adds to the participant experience.
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Expertise: The organization’s history and credibility within the startup ecosystem.
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Reach: The ability to attract high-quality startups, investors, or media.
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Alignment: How well the proposal fits the 2026 event’s specific strategic themes.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a traditional sponsorship opportunity? No. While visibility is provided, this is a content-driven partnership focused on co-creation and ecosystem building rather than just financial branding.
2. Can international organizations apply to be partners? Yes. Startup Fair 2026 specifically seeks partners who can enhance the “international dimension” of the event by bringing in foreign investors and speakers.
3. What kind of visibility do partners receive? Partners receive official visibility across all digital and physical event communications, including the website, social media, press releases, and on-site branding.
4. Does Startup Fair provide funding for partner initiatives? No. Partner involvement is expected to be supported by the organization’s own resources, staff, and capacities.
5. Can we focus on just one specific area, like workshops? Yes. Contributions can either be broad (covering multiple areas) or specialized (focused on a specific domain like “Side Events” or “Investor Matchmaking”).
6. What is the deadline for partnership proposals? While the text does not specify a hard date, most partnership structures for a 2026 event are finalized 6–9 months in advance. Interested parties should reach out as early as possible.
7. How will the partnership impact our relationship with the Lithuanian government? As Startup Fair is the most important national ecosystem event, partners often work closely with key institutional stakeholders, strengthening their standing in the national innovation landscape.
Conclusion: Co-Creating the Future of Tech
Startup Fair 2026 is more than an event; it is a collaborative platform designed to accelerate the Lithuanian tech scene. By joining as a partner, your organization moves beyond the role of a spectator and becomes an active architect of the regional economy. Success in this role requires a clear vision for the ecosystem and a commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful content for all participants.
For more information, visit Startup Lithuania.