Eleven places are filled through this application. The twelfth is reserved for the startup that wins the Startup Capital Summit 2026 Pitch Competition. In a 24 m² space, four startups will be present each day across the three days of exhibition the event, each with one day to present its solution.

For Miguel Antunes, Vice-President of Coimbra City Council, this joint presence at Web Summit “strengthens Coimbra’s position as a territory for innovation, knowledge and entrepreneurship”. “We want to give startups from the region the conditions to showcase what they do, build connections, find partners, and open up new opportunities for growth and internationalisation,” he says.

Gabriela Fernandes, Pro-Rector of the University of Coimbra, highlights that this initiative “has been an ambition for some time” and that it “strengthens the connection between knowledge, science, technology and business creation”. “The University of Coimbra plays a central role in developing talent and producing knowledge, but also in transferring that knowledge to society and the economy. The presence of startups from the region at Web Summit is an opportunity to showcase the scientific, technological and entrepreneurial capabilities that exist in Coimbra,” she says.

Jorge Pimenta, Innovation Director at IPN, notes that “IPN sees this joint participation as a demonstration of a strong ecosystem”. “Coimbra offers excellent conditions to support startups, from incubation, testing and validation through to growth.” He adds that the “interconnection between the University , business clusters, and the international dimension of IPN programmes such as ESA BIC Centro and NATO DIANA, as well as networks such as EIT and EBN, enables entrepreneurs from around the world to explore the innovation potential of the Coimbra region”.

Who can apply

Startups headquartered or with an establishment in one of the 19 municipalities of the Coimbra Region, developing technology-based solutions (products, services, software, digital solutions or hardware) built on their own technology or knowledge. By the time they apply, the product or service must already be launched or at a functional demonstration stage, with an active website and a logo.

What they get

Taking part in the stand is free for the selected startups. Selection will consider innovation and technological base, maturity, growth and internationalisation potential, and each startup's goals for the event. Preference goes to those that have not yet been to Web Summit, or that take part in a different category from previous editions.

Deadlines

Applications are open from 13 August to 15 September 2026, until 11:59 p.m. (GMT+1), through the application form. The full criteria and participation conditions are in the regulations. Results are announced by email by 25 September. Selection does not, on its own, guarantee final participation, which always depends on approval by the Web Summit organisers.

Applications should be submitted through the application form available here. 

Consult the application guidelines.