Apply AI Startup Award

The European Commission's AI Office, together with the AI-BOOST project, has launched an award to celebrate Europe's most transformative AI startups active in Apply AI strategic sectors.

The Apply AI Startup Award recognises innovative European startups and scaleups developing AI solutions in the strategic sectors covered by the Apply AI Strategy:

• healthcare and pharmaceuticals,
• mobility, transport and automotive,
• robotics,
• manufacturing, engineering and construction,
• climate and environment,
• energy,
• agri-food,
• defence, security and space,
• electronic communications,
• cultural, creative and media sectors,
• public sector.

The award acknowledges companies that combine strong technological capability with real market traction and clear relevance for Europe. It empowers AI companies that can become major European success stories while contributing to competitiveness, technological sovereignty and societal benefit.

The three selected winners will:

• be invited to pitch their solution and be awarded a trophy and certificate on the main stage of the Apply AI Summit on 17th November 2026;
• be promoted via the Commission's communication channels, including website, and social media;
• benefit from coverage of travel costs to Brussels for up to two representatives of the awarded company (subject to the organiser's reimbursement rules).

SELECTION PROCEDURE

1. Nomination: National startup associations nominate up to three companies per Member State and invited nominees receive access to the application form.
2. Pre-screening and evaluation: Eligible applications are reviewed and scored to identify the Top 10 finalists.
3. Pitching event and selection of the Top 3: The Top 10 finalists participate in an online pitching event. Based on the pitch and the application, judges select the three winners.

Award announcement

The winners are publicly announced during the Apply AI Summit.

Timeline

The timeline below is indicative. The timings may be modified. Potential changes will be communicated in advance to all Participants and other interested parties.

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