VDS 2026 – Valencia, Spain
Overview
VDS 2026 is one of Europe’s fastest-growing international tech events, staged within the breathtaking architectural complex of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. Formerly known as Valencia Digital Summit, the event has transitioned into a global 360-degree platform that serves as a vital bridge between the European, Latin American, and international tech markets. For two days, Valencia becomes the focal point of technological innovation, uniting more than 12,000 attendees from 120 countries to explore how disruptive solutions can address the world’s most pressing challenges.
The summit is meticulously organized by Startup Valencia and is designed to create a tech-powered future through intense collaboration and human-centric innovation. The 2026 edition continues its focus on key industry verticals including Artificial Intelligence, HealthTech, GreenTech, and Cybersecurity, featuring over 600 world-class speakers across seven high-production stages. It is a venue where the spirit of resilience and progress meets a cosmopolitan startup atmosphere, providing a unique backdrop for meaningful interactions between high-growth startups and established multinational corporations.
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Buy on AmazonWith a massive presence of over 800 investors managing more than $315 billion in assets, VDS has established itself as an essential stop on the global investment calendar. The event goes beyond typical stage presentations by integrating hackathons, dedicated meeting zones, and an expansive Expo Village where the latest technological breakthroughs are displayed. This ninth edition celebrates the continued transformation of Valencia into a premier European technology hub, blending high-level business deals with the city’s vibrant cultural energy.
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Event Highlights
- International Startup Competition: Watch the top finalists from around the globe pitch their disruptive business models to a jury of elite investors and industry experts on the main stage.
- The Challenge Hackathon: Witness top tech talent compete in high-stakes challenges proposed by major global corporations to prototype solutions for urban resilience and cybersecurity.
- VDS Expo Village: Explore an interactive exhibition featuring over 3,000 startups and scaleups showcasing the latest advancements in Aerospace, DeepTech, and Digital Infrastructure.
- Scalability Day Sessions: Participate in dedicated tracks focused on sustainable growth strategies for fast-growing companies, featuring insights from unicorn founders and scaling experts.
Why Attend
VDS is ideal for founders looking to gain international visibility and for investors seeking high-quality deal flow in one of Europe’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems. The event offers a uniquely accessible environment where the barriers between emerging entrepreneurs and senior executives from companies like Google and HP are removed. Attendees benefit from a curated matchmaking experience that has a proven track record of facilitating multi-million dollar investments and strategic global partnerships.
The benefits of attending extend beyond the technical sessions to include a massive program of over 90 city-wide side events. This “VDS Week” allows participants to engage in informal networking in a Mediterranean setting, fostering authentic relationships that often lead to long-term professional success. Whether you are a developer looking to test your skills in real-world challenges or a corporate leader scouting for the next breakthrough technology, VDS provides the connections and insights necessary to stay competitive in the digital age.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: October 21 – 22, 2026
- Event Duration: 2 Days
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Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold online via the official VDS website with tiered discounts for early registration and ecosystem members.
- Admission Type: Registration options include single-day Talent Passes, 2-day Ecosystem Passes, Business Passes, and exclusive Investor Passes.
- Ticket Pricing: Pricing ranges from approximately $83 for early Ecosystem passes to $845 for full-access Investor badges.
- Special Seating Options: Priority seating is available at main stages for Business and Investor pass holders, with open seating across the themed stages.
- VIP Options: Business and Investor passes include access to the VIP Lounge, private meeting areas, and invitations to official pre-event networking gatherings and speaker dinners.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Valencia, Spain
- Venue Name: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences)
- Google Maps Address: Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain
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Contact Information
- Email: hello@vds.tech
- Phone Number: +34 960 611 936
- Official Website: https://vds.tech/
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/vds-event/
- https://x.com/VDS_event
- https://www.instagram.com/vds.tech
- http://www.youtube.com/@VDS_event
- https://www.tiktok.com/@vds_tech
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Valencia Airport (VLC) is located 12 kilometers away and is well-connected to the city center via metro and taxi services.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Ciudad Artes y Ciencias – Justicia Station on Metrovalencia Line 10 provides direct access to the venue.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: EMT Bus routes 13, 15, 19, 24, 25, 35, 40, 94, 95, and 99 serve the immediate vicinity of the venue.
- Parking Availability: On-site parking is available at the City of Arts and Sciences parking garage located directly beneath the Umbracle.
- Directions by Car: The venue is easily accessible via the V-15 and V-30 highways, following signs for the “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias” and “Puerto.”
What is this event?
VDS is an international technology summit that serves as a global hub for the innovation and startup ecosystem. It brings together the world’s most promising startups with influential corporations and visionary investors to foster collaboration and economic growth.
The event features specialized stages covering the future of work, health, energy, and defense, all set within one of Spain’s most iconic architectural landmarks. It is recognized for its ability to turn technological ideas into actionable projects and scalable global businesses.
Why is it popular?
VDS is popular because it offers a “human-first” approach to technology, emphasizing solidarity and collaboration alongside technical progress. It is widely considered one of the most scenic and well-organized tech events in Europe due to its spectacular open-air venue.
The summit’s popularity also stems from its international reach, with nearly half of the attendees traveling from outside of Spain. The high density of unicorn founders and the massive amount of assets under management represented by attending investors make it a critical event for the global tech community.
Attendee Experiences
- The energy at the City of Arts and Sciences is unmatched and the level of speakers this year was truly world-class.
- I was able to meet with three major corporate partners in a single afternoon using the meeting tool which was incredibly efficient.
- VDS feels like a community rather than just a conference and the side events around Valencia are the highlight of my year.
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FAQ's
What is included in the Thursday Talent Pass?
The Thursday Talent Pass provides full access to the second day of the event, including all main stage keynotes and panel discussions. It also allows entry to the Expo Village to discover emerging startups and access to the general meeting areas for networking with other tech professionals.
How can my startup apply for the VDS Startup Competition?
Startups can apply directly through the VDS website during the call-for-entries period, which typically opens several months before the event. A specialized jury reviews all applications to select the top finalists who will receive a free booth and the opportunity to pitch live to investors.
Are there specialized networking tools available for participants?
Yes, all registered attendees gain access to the VDS official app, which includes an AI-powered matchmaking tool to help you identify and connect with the most relevant people. You can use the app to browse attendee profiles, chat with peers, and schedule one-on-one meetings in the dedicated meeting zones.
What language is the conference content delivered in?
As a global summit with over 120 countries represented, the vast majority of the presentations, workshops, and official sessions are conducted in English. This ensures that the international community of founders and investors can fully participate in all aspects of the event program.
Is there a possibility to receive a refund if I can no longer attend?
While tickets are generally non-refundable, VDS allows for ticket holder name changes through their registration platform up until a few weeks before the event. This allows you to transfer your pass to a colleague or partner if your schedule changes, ensuring the ticket value is not lost.
