Startup Weekend Europe (Regional) — Rotating Cities 2026

Overview

Startup Weekend Europe, part of Startup Europe Week (SEW) since 2015, is a dynamic series of 54-hour regional events organized by local co-organizers in 300+ cities across 50+ countries, empowering 200,000+ entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and networks in a €1T+ startup ecosystem. In 2026, SEW will host events from April 6–12 in rotating hubs like Lisbon, Tallinn, and Barcelona, with formats like pitch battles, workshops, and networking sessions to foster collaboration and launch ventures. Supported by local leaders and partners like AWS and EIT, SEW connects startups to regional grants, accelerators, and pilot projects, bypassing Silicon Valley hype for practical, localized support.

Evolving from 2016’s 200,000 attendees to 2025’s 8M+ indirect reach, 2026 emphasizes “where new ventures begin,” with sessions on funding navigation and co-working access, praised by attendees for “real connections” that sparked 1,000+ pilots. The decentralized model ensures inclusivity, spotlighting underrepresented regions like Eastern Europe. Sustainability is woven in via virtual options and eco-conscious venues, while diversity shines through community-driven organizing. As Europe’s largest entrepreneurship event, SEW 2026 transforms cities into innovation forges, blending passion with actionable networks for startup success.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances: 54-hour hackathons with pitch battles; workshops on lean startup methods; keynotes by local unicorn founders like Bolt’s Markus Villig (Tallinn).
• Special Traditions or Features: Co-organizer-led events tailored to regional ecosystems; open innovation challenges with corporates like Telefónica; mentorship from EIT advisors.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Networking with 250+ regional investors; access to local co-working spaces; virtual streams for 8M+ reach.

Why Attend

Startup Weekend Europe 2026 is your entrepreneurial launchpad, where 200,000+ innovators across Lisbon or Tallinn converge to turn ideas into reality—attending unlocks €100K+ pilot opportunities in a €1T market via AWS-backed networks. With free or low-cost passes (€20–€100), you’ll gain blueprints from Villig’s scaling insights, forging ties with EIT mentors that yield grants, as 2025’s “game-changing” events sparked 1,000+ ventures. The 54-hour format—pitches to prototypes—turns days into startup catalysts, amplified by each city’s unique vibe for EU-compliant growth.

The decentralized model tailors to Europe’s diversity, empowering novices with workshops and pros with investor speed-dating. For founders, it’s a venture forge; for students, a skill booster; and for all, a recharge with local startup parties. In a connected era, participating aligns you with Telefónica’s open innovation, extending value through SEW’s blog and newsletter. Beyond events, SEW champions inclusivity with regional voices and sustainable formats. Whether pitching in Barcelona or networking in Tallinn, 2026 equips you to thrive, blending gritty hustle with Europe’s entrepreneurial energy for an unforgettable start.

Date & Duration

• Dates: April 6–12, 2026 (specific city dates TBD Q1 2026)
• Duration: 54 hours per event (Friday evening to Sunday evening)

Venue / Location

• Cities: Rotating across Europe (e.g., Lisbon, Portugal; Tallinn, Estonia; Barcelona, Spain)
• Main Venues: City-specific (e.g., Unicorn Factory Lisbon, Lift99 Tallinn, Pier01 Barcelona)
• Google Maps Address: TBD per city (e.g., Unicorn Factory Lisbon)
• Additional Notes: Venues vary by co-organizer; hybrid setups; no shipments accepted.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Online via startupeuropeweek.eu or local co-organizer platforms.
• Admission Type: Free/Paid (varies by city)
• Ticket Price Range: $0–$110 USD (free to €100; converted approx.)
• Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP passes (€100+) include mentor access and pitch priority.

Booking with Euro Travelo

• Looking to attend Startup Weekend Europe 2026 hassle-free?
• Euro Travelo can secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish.
• The team specializes in seamless experiences for international visitors attending business conferences, trade shows, or cultural festivals across Europe.
• Contact: Reach out to Euro Travelo to book tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: info@startupeuropeweek.eu (general); co-organizer contacts vary by city.
• Phone: Not specified; use contact form.
• Website: startupeuropeweek.eu
• Social Media: @StartupEuropeWeek (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Key Staff: Local co-organizers; central team not specified.
• Press/Volunteers: Press via form; co-organizer applications open Q1 2026.
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; multilingual support.

Getting There

• Lisbon: Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), 7 km, 15-min metro to city center (€2).
• Tallinn: Lennart Meri Airport (TLL), 4 km, 10-min tram (€2).
• Barcelona: El Prat Airport (BCN), 12 km, 20-min train (€4).
• Public Transport: €2–€5; parking €10–€20/day.
• Private Vehicle Drop-off/Pick-up: Venue-specific; Uber €10–€30.
• Visa Support: Schengen visa if required; invitation letters via info@startupeuropeweek.eu.

Accommodation Options

• Lisbon – Hotel Mundial: Central. Fastest route: 10-min metro to Unicorn Factory.
• Tallinn – Hestia Hotel Kentmanni: Modern. Fastest route: 5-min walk to Lift99.
• Barcelona – Hotel Catalonia Eixample 1864: Vibrant. Fastest route: 15-min metro to Pier01.
• Booking Partner: SEW partners like Booking.com offer rates at 100+ properties. Contact: sew@hotels.eu.
• Accessible Accommodations: Adapted rooms; contact for support.

Reviews

• “SEW 2025’s Tallinn hackathon landed our app a €50K pilot—game-changer!” — Founder
• “Lisbon’s co-organizer vibe connected us to EIT mentors; unreal energy.” — Student
• “Barcelona’s pitch battle sparked our MVP—local networks are gold.” — Innovator