sTARTUp Day 2026 Tartu, Estonia
Overview
sTARTUp Day is the largest business festival in the Baltics, celebrated for its unique “startup-minded” atmosphere that blends a high-stakes professional conference with a vibrant festival spirit. Taking place in the intellectual heart of Estonia, the 2026 edition marks the tenth anniversary of the event, bringing together over 3,000 attendees, including founders, investors, and executives from 50 different countries. The festival is hosted at the architecturally stunning Estonian National Museum, providing a world-class backdrop for the exchange of disruptive ideas and the formation of global partnerships.
The 2026 program is specifically tailored to support early-stage startups while addressing critical global shifts in technology and society. Over three days, the event features a multi-stage lineup covering diverse tracks such as Founder Stories, Deep-Tech, and Defense, alongside more than 40 hands-on seminars. With a dedicated matchmaking area powered by advanced networking apps, the festival serves as a high-density hub for deal-making, offering startups a rare opportunity to pitch directly to a pool of over 200 international investors and compete for a substantial prize fund.
Event Highlights
- Anniversary Stage Program: Experience keynote speeches and fireside chats across three main stages—Starlight, Insight, and Pitching—featuring 140 world-class speakers.
- Exclusive Matchmaking: Access the Brella matchmaking platform to schedule 20-minute 1:1 meetings with investors, potential partners, and high-level executives in a dedicated area.
- The Demo Area: Explore the “Mecca of Entrepreneurship,” a massive exhibition space divided into Startup Street, Partner Land, and sTARTUp Tartu to showcase the latest innovations.
- sTARTUp Night: Join the legendary afterparty on January 29, which brings together the entire festival community for an evening of networking, live music, and celebrations.
Why Attend
sTARTUp Day is the definitive destination for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses and for investors seeking the next big breakthrough in the Nordic and Baltic regions. The festival’s intimate yet professional environment makes it easy to bypass traditional barriers and speak directly with C-level executives and seasoned venture capitalists. It is particularly valuable for early-stage founders who can benefit from the sTARTUp Pitching competition, where the top teams vie for equity-free awards and syndicate investments.
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Investors and corporate innovators should attend to gain early access to a curated database of over 350 startups and participate in the exclusive Investor Day on January 28. Beyond the business deals, the event offers a holistic view of the “startup life,” including seminars on mental health, leadership sustainability, and the future of science-driven innovation. Whether you are looking for your next career challenge, a strategic investment, or simply to soak up the most startup-minded energy in Europe, Tartu is the place to be in January 2026.
Date & Duration
- Dates: 28 – 30 January 2026.
- Duration: 3 Days (Day 0: Side Events; Day 1-2: Main Festival).
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Tartu, Estonia.
- Venue: Estonian National Museum (ERM).
- Google Maps Address: Muuseumi tee 2, 60532 Tartu, Estonia.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are available for purchase online through the official Fienta ticketing platform linked on the event website.
- Admission Type: Paid admission with specific categories for Startups, Investors, Executives, and Visitors.
- Ticket Pricing: Tickets currently range from approximately $173 for early-bird startup passes to $325 for investor and executive passes.
- Admission Type: One ticket grants full access to the stage program, seminars, demo area, and official networking parties.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Executive and Investor passes include access to the VIP Lounge, VIP Reception, and exclusive Q&A sessions with keynote speakers.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@startupday.ee
- Phone: +352 46 66 44 1 (General University/Inquiry context)
- Website: https://www.startupday.ee/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/startupdayfest
- https://www.instagram.com/startupdayfest
- https://www.twitter.com/startupdayfest
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/startupdayfest/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG9hcEbq8awVkt0Ro47D1yQ
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Tartu Airport (TAY) with direct flights from Helsinki; Tallinn Airport (TLL), 185 km from Tartu (~2 hours by bus/train).
- Public Transport: Frequent Lux Express buses from Tallinn or Riga; high-speed Elron trains from Tallinn Central Station to Tartu (~$12-18).
- Taxi/Rideshare: Bolt is widely used in Tartu; a ride from the city center to the museum costs approximately $6-10.
- Parking: Large free parking lot available directly at the Estonian National Museum for all attendees.
- Other Access: Public transport within Tartu is free for all festival participants during the event days with a valid badge.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel Lydia (4-star Superior, 1.5 km, elegant boutique hotel behind the Town Hall, ~$160-250/night); V SPA Hotel (4-star, 1.8 km, modern with extensive spa facilities ~$150-230/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Hotel Dorpat (3-star, 2 km, riverside location with great views, ~$95-150/night); Art Hotel Pallas (3-star, 1.8 km, vibrant design in the city center ~$100-160/night).
- Budget Stays: Hektor Design Hostel (Budget, 3 km, trendy industrial-style loft rooms, ~$50-90/night); Hotel Tartu (3-star, 2 km, classic and reliable budget option ~$85-120/night).
Reviews
- The energy in the museum was electric and the matchmaking app actually led to three follow-up meetings with VCs.
- I’ve been to many tech fests but the community feeling in Tartu is much more authentic and welcoming than others.
- Dancing until 3 AM with founders and investors at sTARTUp Night was the highlight of my professional year.
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FAQ's
What should I bring to ensure the best experience at the festival?
You should bring a smartphone with the Brella app installed to manage your meeting schedule and a reusable water bottle to refill at the venue stations. The Estonian winter can be quite cold with temperatures often below freezing, so a warm coat and comfortable indoor shoes for the museum are essential. Don't forget to bring plenty of digital or physical business cards, as you will be meeting hundreds of potential collaborators throughout the three days.
Is the side event program on Day 0 included in all ticket types?
The Side Events on January 28 are varied; while some are open to all ticket holders, others like Investor Day or Executive Breakfast are restricted. You must check the individual event descriptions in the program to see if pre-registration or a specific ticket type is required for entry. Many community-hosted side events take place in downtown Tartu and are open to the public or require a separate small registration fee.
Can I attend the festival if my startup is still in the idea stage?
Absolutely, sTARTUp Day is designed to support the entire ecosystem, and the 2026 program has a dedicated focus on very early-stage founders. The seminars and workshops offer practical advice on validation, fundraising basics, and team building that are perfect for those just starting out. Idea-stage founders are also encouraged to participate in the pitching competitions to gain feedback from judges and exposure to the local ecosystem.
What language is used for the festival presentations and seminars?
The official language of the entire sTARTUp Day festival is English to accommodate the large number of international speakers and attendees. All stage programs, seminar sessions, and matchmaking interactions are conducted in English to ensure everyone can participate fully. While you will hear plenty of Estonian in the hallways, all key information and networking materials are provided in English for your convenience.
How does the food and catering work at the Estonian National Museum?
While coffee is often provided for free at various partner stations, full meals are generally not included in the standard ticket price. The venue features several pop-up cafes and a main restaurant offering a variety of local and international dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options. You can use credit cards or cash at all food vendors, and there are many additional dining options within a short walk of the museum area.
