PATHFOUNDERS BATTLEGROUND
Startup competition
The launchpad for the next wave of AI startups
About the Battleground
TIMELINES
PATHFOUNDER TO WATCH’ START-UP COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED ON THE MAINSTAGE AS PART OF THE CLOSING CEREMONY
GOOD NEWS – Applications are now LIVE!
Why enter the Pathfounders Battleground: Startup competition?
- Gain global exposure to investors, big tech players, potential customers, and media.
- Pitch on the renowned World Summit AI Startup & Venture stage
- Receive expert feedback from our judges and investors to accelerate your impact in the real world
- Get the Start-up Competition Finalist and Winner brand packs to share the good news
- Promote your brand to the biggest global AI Community of 500,000+ with a dedicated winners email and social media campaign
Giving Startups Access to the worlds biggest AI Community
- No pay to play for entrants and special start-up discounts available to attend the main summit
- Finalists get full access to both days of World Summit AI 2026
- Network and schedule 1-2-1 meetings with start-up – investor match making on our AI-powered networking app
Entry requirements & the fine print
- If you’re one of the five shortlisted start-ups, the CEO or Founder of your start-up must be able to join us in person in Amsterdam on 7 and 8 October 2026.
- To qualify as an early stage startup, you must be pre-Series A.
- You must have a company that is AI technology at its core or be an AI Native company
- All applications are screened. So if this criteria doesn’t apply, your application will be politely rejected.
2026 JUDGES
Top tier judges are being confirmed as we speak!
Watch this space…
What do the judges assess entrants on?
Founders’ expertise, experience, and commitment.
Clear unique value proposition.
Technological or business model innovation.
Competitive advantage and defensibility in the market.
Evidence of real customers, revenue, or pilot results.
Market Size and Opportunity
Roadmap to growth, profitability, or social impact.
So what are you waiting for?
What’s on for startups and investors?
Startup Accelerator
This lively pod area is for start-ups who want guaranteed visibility and to have a space on the expo floor where investors and customers can drop by, check out demos or products.
SECURE YOUR SPOT
Investors Club
Identify potential AI start-ups, emerging technologies, and innovative projects for investment opportunities. Vetted investors will receive complimentary all access passes to not miss a beat on the next big thing in AI.
APPLY NOW
Matchmaking
Startups and investors will be able to network and schedule 1-2-1 meetings on our AI-powered networking app. Fill out your profile to be connected with the right capital and partners for you.
REGISTER NOW
Startup mixer
The renowned World Summit AI startup mixer will happen on the evening of the 7th October. Don’t miss a chance to mingle with likeminded Founders and seasoned investors. More details to come…