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Call for Nominations: Next Startupper Award

Deadline: 09-Mar-2026

The Next Startupper Award recognizes student entrepreneurs developing innovative, technology-oriented startups with measurable social or environmental impact. Finalists gain visibility and access to VivaTech in Paris, while the Grand Winner receives €5,000 in funding and a Startup Corner at VivaTech 2027. Applications are open to higher education students worldwide who founded their startup less than three years ago.

Overview of the Award

The Next Startupper Award celebrates innovation-driven student founders building scalable, tech-based solutions that create positive change.

The award highlights projects that demonstrate:

  • Strong innovation

  • Product or service maturity

  • Scalability potential

  • Positive corporate social responsibility (CSR) impact

The competition culminates at Viva Technology (VivaTech), one of Europe’s leading startup and innovation events.

The final stage will take place in Paris from June 17 to 20, 2026 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

What Finalists and Winners Receive

Benefits for Finalists (6 Selected Projects)

Each finalist receives:

  • Speaker pass to VivaTech (4-day access)

  • Startup pass to VivaTech (4-day access)

  • Visibility at VivaTech

  • Networking opportunities with jury members and tech stakeholders

Finalists must attend in person.

Grand Winner Prize

The Grand Winner will receive:

  • €5,000 in funding

  • A Startup Corner at VivaTech 2027 (valued at €3,500)

Travel, accommodation, insurance, and personal expenses are not covered.

Evaluation Criteria

Projects are assessed based on four core criteria:

  1. Innovation

    • Originality of the solution

    • Technological orientation

    • Problem-solving capacity

  2. Maturity

    • Development stage of the product or service

    • Market readiness

    • Validation progress

  3. Scalability

    • Growth potential

    • Replicability

    • Long-term sustainability

  4. CSR Impact

    • Social impact

    • Environmental responsibility

    • Contribution to positive change

All evaluation stages use the same criteria.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be enrolled in a higher education institution

  • Provide valid proof of student status (student card or enrollment certificate)

  • Have founded their startup less than three years ago

  • Present a technology-oriented startup

  • Demonstrate measurable social and/or environmental impact

  • Submit the application in English

There are no restrictions on nationality or country of residence.

Important Restrictions

  • Only one application per candidate

  • Each project must be linked to a single candidate

  • Multiple candidates cannot apply with the same project

Project Requirements

Eligible startups must:

  • Be innovative and technology-driven

  • Have a clear business model or product concept

  • Show evidence of development progress

  • Demonstrate societal or environmental value

Projects should be scalable and designed for growth beyond a local market.

Application Process

Participation is free of charge.

Step 1: Create an Account

Applicants must register on the Agorize platform.

Step 2: Accept Terms

Candidates must:

  • Accept Agorize Terms of Use

  • Accept Privacy Policy

  • Agree to the Award’s official rules

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications must:

  • Be written entirely in English

  • Clearly explain innovation, maturity, scalability, and CSR impact

  • Demonstrate technological orientation

Candidates are responsible for:

  • Internet access

  • Equipment costs

No participation fee is charged.

Selection Timeline

Application Deadline

Applications close before the selection stage begins (exact submission deadline determined by organizers).

Selection Stage

  • March 9 to March 27, 2026

  • Projects evaluated by jury

Finalist Announcement

  • April 3, 2026

  • Six finalists selected

Organizers reserve the right to reduce the number of finalists if submissions do not meet standards.

Final Stage (Live Pitch)

  • June 17, 2026

  • Live at VivaTech in Paris

Pitch format:

  • 3-minute pitch

  • 4-minute Q&A session

  • Conducted entirely in English

  • No support materials allowed

Attendance is mandatory.

Failure to attend or confirm participation may result in disqualification and replacement.

What Happens at the Final Stage?

The six finalists will:

  • Pitch live on stage

  • Present before a jury of tech-sector stakeholders

  • Engage in real-time Q&A

  • Compete for the Grand Winner title

The award ceremony will take place during VivaTech.

Organizers may conduct identity and eligibility checks.

Why This Award Matters

The Next Startupper Award offers:

  • International visibility

  • Direct access to tech investors and industry leaders

  • Live exposure at a major European tech event

  • Financial support

  • Startup exhibition space

For student founders, this represents:

  • Credibility boost

  • Networking acceleration

  • Market validation opportunity

  • Growth platform for scaling

It connects early-stage tech startups with a global innovation ecosystem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting non-technology-based projects

  • Failing to demonstrate scalability

  • Ignoring CSR impact requirements

  • Applying with a startup older than three years

  • Preparing a pitch longer than 3 minutes

  • Attempting to use presentation materials during the live pitch

Clarity, innovation, and impact are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Only students currently enrolled in higher education institutions who can provide valid proof of status.

2. Is there a participation fee?

No. Participation is free, but candidates cover personal expenses.

3. What does the Grand Winner receive?

€5,000 in funding and a Startup Corner at VivaTech 2027 valued at €3,500.

4. Are travel expenses covered?

No. Travel, accommodation, insurance, and personal costs are the responsibility of candidates.

5. How many finalists are selected?

Six finalist projects, subject to quality standards.

6. Can a team apply together?

No. Each project must be linked to a single candidate.

7. What language must the pitch be delivered in?

English only, without support materials.

Conclusion

The Next Startupper Award is a global opportunity for student entrepreneurs building innovative, tech-driven startups with measurable social or environmental impact.

With live pitching at VivaTech, funding for the Grand Winner, and high-profile exposure, the competition offers both credibility and growth potential.

Student founders with scalable, impact-focused startups less than three years old should prepare a strong English-language application and be ready to pitch live in Paris in June 2026.

For more information, visit Viva Technology.