CEE Challenge 2026

The live open call for deep tech startups from CEE and beyond. Eligibility, selection criteria, and what selected teams can access are listed on this brief.

The problem

Deep Tech Summit is running the 2026 CEE Challenge as an open call: startups apply into the existing contest, and applications are filtered before anyone reaches the stage.

Why it remains unsolved

The 2026 open call remains the intake that is accepting applications. Named problem briefs for later challenge tracks are being developed separately and are not a substitute for this call.

What good looks like

Applications are filtered for technical depth, TRL, and investor readiness. Next steps after shortlisting are defined by this call, not by unpublished pilot terms.

Eligibility

Deep tech startups applying from CEE and beyond, typically pre-seed to late seed, with a team of at least two people. The project should be a standalone company, not a subsidiary or company spin-out. Selection looks at technical depth, TRL, and investor readiness. This page does not change the terms of the current competition.

What selected teams get

The 2026 call offers 1:1 meetings with investors and corporates, cash prizes of €5,000, €3,000, or €1,000, and a place in the CEE Challenge pitching track at Deep Tech Summit, 26–27 October 2026 in Warsaw. Readiness sprints, workshops, or other extras apply only where that call states them.

Organised by

Poland Innovative Foundation

Reviewers

Reviewers are not named on this page. Selection uses technical depth, TRL, and investor readiness, as published on the Summit site.

Timetable

• 1–30 September 2026Second application round
• 1–7 October 2026Announcement of finalists
• 26–27 October 2026Deep Tech Summit, Warsaw — pitching track