The battleground for Europe’s next big tech success story is shifting to Warsaw. IT Arena has officially launched the call for its Startup Competition, and this year, the stakes are undeniably higher.
It’s no longer just about pitching; it’s about survival and scaling in a changed world. For the first time, the competition will run a unified track that merges civilian startups with dual-use technologies. This reflects a new reality where the line between defense tech and everyday innovation is blurring, and investors are paying close attention.
The War Chest
The incentives to show up are serious. Beyond a standard prize fund starting at $20,000, participants are fighting for a chance to tap into a massive $5 million investment fund. It’s a rare opportunity to bypass the usual fundraising grind and get straight to the decision-makers.
Direct from the Source
The focus is strictly on growth and global exposure. As Ihor Markevych, Program Lead at IT Arena Warsaw, emphasizes:
“Today, it is critically important for startups to have access to international investors and markets, especially at the early stages of scaling. The IT Arena Warsaw Startup Competition gives teams from Ukraine and Europe the opportunity to declare themselves in the international environment, receive quality feedback, and build long-term partnerships”.
Are You the Right Fit?
They aren’t looking for paper ideas. The competition is scouting for teams that have traction. To qualify, your startup needs to be young (founded 2021 or later) but battle-tested, with either $10,000 in revenue or $25,000 in prior investment.
There is a hard cap on maturity—if you’ve already raised over $5 million, you’re too big for this ring. And naturally, strict compliance applies: no founders or teams from russia or Belarus.
Get Seen, Even Without the Pitch
Not ready for the main stage? You can still dominate the floor. The Startup Expo returns, offering a standardized booth to put your product directly in front of 150+ investors and thousands of attendees. It’s the most efficient way to network without the pressure of a three-minute pitch.
Applications are open now. If you have the tech and the traction, Warsaw is waiting.
Source: Lviv IT Cluster
