EU & Regional Affairs

The EU-Startups Summit 2026 Networking Guide – All the juicy details!

On 7-8 May, we’ll be heading back to sunny Malta for the 12th edition of the EU-Startups Summit – our exciting two-day event bringing together around 2,400 of Europe’s most ambitious founders, forward-thinking investors, and corporate innovation leaders. The Summit offers a packed agenda with inspiring talks, insightful panel discussions,

  • David Cendon Garcia
  • April 23, 2026
  • 0 Comments

On 7-8 May, we’ll be heading back to sunny Malta for the 12th edition of the EU-Startups Summit – our exciting two-day event bringing together around 2,400 of Europe’s most ambitious founders, forward-thinking investors, and corporate innovation leaders.

The Summit offers a packed agenda with inspiring talks, insightful panel discussions, a buzzing exhibition hall, and a thrilling pitch competition. But beyond the stage and the spotlight, what truly powers this event is the energy of human connection.

Whether you’re looking to raise your next round, scout talent, explore partnerships or simply exchange ideas, this is where it happens. To help you make the most of your time, here’s how this year’s setup makes networking easier, smarter and more impactful than ever.

The EU-Startups Summit App

QR-Code-2026Our dedicated networking app will be your go-to companion throughout the event. With it, you can explore the attendee list, message fellow participants, and arrange 1:1 meetings seamlessly.

The app is already live and available on the App Store or Google Play. Once downloaded (just search for ‘EU-Startups Summit’ in your app store or scan the QR code next to this text), you can set up your profile and let the AI-powered matchmaking tool suggest relevant profiles to connect with.As soon as you fill in your profile, the algorithms will suggest the most relevant people and the rest is up to you.

Swipe or skip on profiles, and then use the chat function to set up those all-important face-to-face meetings

Swipe, match, chat and schedule – all within the app. You’ll also get real-time updates and full access to the event agenda, speaker info and your personalised schedule.

The Networking Game – Let’s have some fun!

Inside of every booklet there is a bingo-like list of tasks that will help all of our attendees break the ice and get into networking mode!

Completing the actions earns each player one point. Collect at least 6 points to unlock a prize, and keep going: the more points you earn, the better the rewards!

These tasks include:

Join the unicorn hunt! Find one hidden around the venue and bring it to the EU- Startups Playground Share your thoughts on EU-Startups Playground’s Wall

Have a coffee at the M. Demajo booth and ask for the secret phrase

The Meeting Room – Where deals are made

Looking to schedule focused, one-on-one meetings? The Meeting Room in Vassalli Hall, located on Floor 1 of the venue, is your go-to space for exactly that. Designed to support meaningful conversations, it’s the ideal spot to sit down with investors, potential partners, or fellow founders in a quieter, more professional setting.

You can book a space in this room directly through the EU-Startups Summit app, making it easy to coordinate and secure meeting slots in advance. The room will have tables available for those that wish to book them.

While the main purpose of the Meeting Room is to facilitate pre-arranged meetings, it will also host a number of themed networking sessions throughout both days.

These include speed networking and Women in Tech meetups – all designed to spark quick, engaging interactions. To stay up to date on what’s happening in this space, check the app regularly and plan your schedule accordingly.

The Networking Lounge – Relax and connect

Sometimes, the best conversations happen when you’re not rushing between sessions or ticking off your meeting schedule. That’s where the Networking Lounge comes in. Located at the end of the Exhibition Hall, this inviting space is designed to offer a more laid-back environment for spontaneous chats, informal catch-ups, and moments of reflection between all the action.

Whether you’re reconnecting with someone you met earlier, discussing a panel you just attended, or simply taking a breather, the lounge offers a comfortable setting to pause and engage.

It’s also a great spot to meet new contacts outside of scheduled meetings – you never know who you’ll bump into over a cup of coffee.

Networking Drinks with a view

As the day wraps up, we take the networking to new heights – quite literally. Join us for the official EU-Startups Networking Drinks on both Day 1 and Day 2 at the Grand Harbour Terrace of the Mediterranean Conference Center.

From 18:00 – 21:30 on Day 1; and 17:00 – 20:30 on Day 2, you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, chill music, and breathtaking views of Malta’s coastline. It’s the perfect setting to keep conversations going and meet new faces in a more relaxed setting.

Just remember: the terrace has limited capacity for up to 900 people, so plan ahead!

From speed networking and AI matchmaking to sunset drinks by the sea, the EU-Startups Summit 2025 is built for connection. Get ready for two unforgettable days of collaboration, insight, and opportunity. Visit our event page to learn more about the Summit, the speaker line-up, and the latest updates!

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OUR EVENT SPONSORS

Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperiety by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.

M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.

IONOS-cloud-logo

The IONOS Cloud Start-up Program provides young companies with up to €100,000 in cloud credits for up to five years after their founding. Start-ups benefit from a sovereign IT infrastructure “Made in Germany,” offering 100% GDPR compliance and full legal certainty. IONOS Cloud guarantees technological freedom without vendor lock-in. Long-term support is also ensured: exclusive discounts after the first year enable a seamless transition into the IONOS Cloud ISV Partner Program. In this way, digital sovereignty becomes a strategic competitive advantage from founding to scaling.

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