EDITION 11 - REGIONAL FINALE

GSA - CENTRAL EUROPE

MeOut Group will host the gathering of the brightest minds, boldest startups, and most inspiring ecosystem builders from across Central Europe in Budapest, Hungary.

This edition’s regional finale marks a new chapter for GSA, celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in the vibrant Central European startup scene.

BUDAPEST AS THE OFFICIAL

HOST CITY

IN COLLABORATION

This event is brought to life in collaboration with MeOut Group, a long-standing partner of Global Startup Awards since 2019.

The Global Startup Awards has been part of XO Group since 2024, which was co-founded with MeOut Group. 

Budapest is more than a picturesque capital on the Danube - it’s a rising star in Europe’s innovation landscape.

Having proudly hosted the Central Europe Regional Finale in past editions, Budapest is once again ready to shine as a key destination for the startup world.

Expect:

  • A city where history meets cutting-edge innovation.

  • Iconic architecture and rich cultural heritage.

  • A fast-growing tech and startup ecosystem.

  • Inspiring connections and networking opportunities.

WHY BUDAPEST?

PART OF CONNEXIONS CEE

DEEPTECH

SUMMIT 2025

We’re proud to announce that the Central Europe Regional Finale of the 11th Edition of Global Startup Awards will be hosted in Budapest as part of CONNEXIONS – CEE Deeptech Summit, during Hungarian Innovation Week.

CONNEXIONS will bring leading global voices in deep tech to Budapest: investors, experts in university and research-based technology transfer, successful deep tech founders, leading scientists, and public sector representatives.

This year’s key thematic areas will include life science (biotech and medtech), space technology, defence and cybersecurity.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS

  • Greg Williams

    Greg Williams

    DEPUTY GLOBAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR,
    WIRED MAGAZINE

  • CECILIA DES COURTIS

    CECILIA DES COURTIS

    CEO, HELLO TOMORROW

  • DR. ENG. JAKUB JASICZAK

    DR. ENG. JAKUB JASICZAK

    CHAIRMAN, POLISH ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER COMPANIES; HEAD OF COMMERCIALISATION, INSTITUTE OF HUMAN GENETICS PAS

  • DR. DEJAN Mirčetić

    DR. DEJAN Mirčetić

    RESEARCH SCIENTIST, INSTITUTE FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OF SERBIA

  • JULIAN LAUFS

    JULIAN LAUFS

    INNOVATION LEAD AND CO-FOUNDER, CYBERAGENTUR

  • CHRISTIAN SZEGEDY

    CHRISTIAN SZEGEDY

    CO-FOUNDER, XAI

  • NAGY SZABOLCS

    NAGY SZABOLCS

    CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, TURBINE

  • KAROL SZUBSTARSKI

    KAROL SZUBSTARSKI

    PARTNER, OTB VENTURES

  • LINDA VÖERAS

    LINDA VÖERAS

    PARTNER, KARMA VENTURES

  • SŁAWOMIR OLEJNIK

    SŁAWOMIR OLEJNIK

    FOUNDER AND CEO, INNOVATIVE POLAND FOUNDATION / DEEPTECH CEE SUMMIT

  • DR. GYÖRGY BENCE

    DR. GYÖRGY BENCE

    HEAD OF OPHTHALMIC TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH, INSTITUTE OF MOLECULAR AND CLINICAL OPHTHALMOLOGY BASEL

Finalists from across the region, along with key ecosystem stakeholders, including investors, accelerators, government partners, industry experts, and innovation leaders, are scheduled to meet and attend this special finale.

It’s a unique opportunity to strengthen regional connections, spark new partnerships, and celebrate the innovation shaping Central Europe’s future.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

PROGRAM

a Full Innovation Experience

Why stop at one event?

Around Hungarian Innovation Week, Budapest will become a magnet for innovators, investors, and changemakers.

We’re hosting the GSA Central Europe Regional Awards Ceremony as part of the official kick-off but the days around it are packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

here’s the ultimate 3-day line-up

📅 Day 1 — the Scaleup Fest
September 10, 2025

Kickstart your week by joining leaders, investors, and high-growth startups for a day of panels, matchmaking, and cross-border collaboration opportunities.

Venue: Akvárium Klub
📍 Erzsébet tér 12, 1051 Budapest

📅 Day 2 — the GSA Central Europe Regional Awards Ceremony
September 11, 2025

(Hosted by MeOut Group and Global Startup Awards)

The official Awards Ceremony where winners of the GSA Central Europe region are announced on stage.

Venue: Bálna Budapest
📍Fővám tér 11–12, 1093 Budapest

📅 Day 3 — the MeOut Gathering
September 12, 2025

(Hosted by MeOut Group)

As part of the aftermath of the Central Europe Regional Awards Ceremony, our partners from MeOut Group will be organising a gathering, which will provide a perfect opportunity to connect with the MeOut community and our international partners in a more relaxed setting.

Venue: Kluster
📍 Károly krt. 6, 1052 Budapest

We’re excited to welcome Krasimir Kolev, CEO & Co-founder of TokWise, as a speaker at the GSA Central Europe Regional Awards Ceremony.

As a member of the GSA Heroes Network, Krasimir stands at the forefront of deeptech innovation, which is a major focus of this edition.

EXCLUSIVE SPEAKER

ANNOUNCEMENT

BIOGRAPHY

Krasimir Kolev is the Co-founder and Managing Partner at TokWise, with over 15 years of experience in leading global business transformation and process optimisation projects.

He believes that in today’s rapidly evolving energy sector, companies can only stay competitive by adapting their business models with a focus on digitisation.

TokWise enables this transition through innovative technology, deep industry expertise, and agile implementation.

SDG-ALIGNED

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

RECOGNIZING IMPACT-DRIVEN INNOVATION

The categories that the startups and ecosystem builders are competing in are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure we highlight initiatives that contribute to long-term, responsible progress.

Each category reflects a specific aspect of innovation and aims to recognize those working on practical solutions to real-world challenges.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES -
STARTUPS:

Startup Of The Year

  • A startup that inspires the next generation of founders by positively impacting the economy and the world in general. It should have a product and/or service that is already a success on the market, disrupting its industry with an innovative approach.

    • The startup must showcase significant industry innovation, disrupting market norms for substantial change.

    • Highlight positive economic and societal impact, including job creation and sustainability initiatives.

    • Outline clear plans for scalability, growth strategies, target markets, and future milestones.

    • Emphasize the founding team's quality, diversity, and expertise in driving innovation.

    • Demonstrate consistent and sustainable monthly recurring revenue for financial viability.

BEST HEALTH TECH STARTUP

  • A startup that is strategically positioned to transform the healthcare sector through cutting-edge technology and innovative business models, positively impacting lives.

    • Clinical Efficiency Enhancement: Innovations improving clinical workflows and operational efficiency in healthcare settings.

    • Patient-Centric Engagement: Solutions fostering active patient involvement and satisfaction in their healthcare journey.

    • Revolutionary Medical Devices: Impactful, unique devices transforming patient care and treatment outcomes.

    • Comprehensive Digital Health Solutions: Bridging gaps and improving access to quality care through digital innovations.

    • AI-Driven Predictive Analytics: Personalized interventions for disease prevention and optimized treatments.

    • Innovative Fitness & Wellness Solutions: Promoting healthier lifestyles and preventive care through novel approaches.

      🌎 The startup's solution should align with at least:

    • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, optionally also:

    • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

best newcomer

  • A startup up to 2 years of age with the potential to become Startup of the Year in the future. Its product and/or service is already on the market on a path to disrupt its industry and positively impact the economy and the world.

  • All criteria of the Startup of The Year apply except for the age of the startup. The startup must be a maximum of 2 years of age (calculated from the establishment date until public nominations open).

BEST FINTECH STARTUP

  • For startups leveraging technology in areas like e-commerce, blockchain, and cryptocurrency, directly impacting payments, lending, insurance, investments, or data analytics. These startups introduce novel approaches and disruptive technologies, transforming traditional financial practices and earning recognition for reshaping the industry.

  • Startup solution should match with at least one of the following:

    • Financial Services Integration: by offering products or services that directly impact financial activities, such as payments, lending, insurance, investments, or data analytics.

    • Technological Focus: The startup centers its operations around technology to innovate in e-commerce, mobile-commerce, blockchain, cryptocurrency, insurtech, or big data markets within the financial sector.

    And, the Startup must:

    • Introduce novel approaches, business models, and technologies to improve or disrupt traditional financial practices within the market segments above.

BEST AI-ENABLED STARTUP

  • A startup advancing Artificial Intelligence through true technological innovation—either by providing essential AI infrastructure and solutions for others or by credibly integrating AI in transformative, impactful ways. Its product or service demonstrates genuine innovation, delivering clear value, and is poised to positively impact industries, economies, and society at large.

    • Technological Innovation: showcases original AI technology or infrastructure that advances the field.

    • Credible AI Integration: embeds AI as a core element, delivering clear and measurable value.

    • Industry Impact: addresses major challenges or creates new opportunities within its sector.

    • Scalability: demonstrates strong potential to grow across markets or industries.

    • Ethical AI: applies AI responsibly, ensuring transparency, fairness, and data integrity.

    • Proven Traction: evidence of adoption, results, or market validation.

Best greentech STARTUP

  • A startup that focuses on providing innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and have a positive impact on energy efficiency and waste reduction. This could be implemented in industries such as energy, transportation, sustainable agriculture, logistics, or SCM, with a commitment to reducing carbon footprint and promoting overall environmental well-being.

    • The startup's solution should disrupt norms, reduce energy consumption, promoting renewables, or optimizing processes for environmental benefit.

    • The startup's solution should have a positive environmental impact, such as carbon footprint reduction, energy savings, or waste minimization.

    🌎 The startup's solution should align with at least one of the following UNSDGs:

    • Goal 6: clean water and sanitization,

    • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities,

    • Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy,

    • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,

    • Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,

    • Goal 13: Climate Action.

    • Goal 14: Life Below Water or

    • Goal 15: Life on Land

BEST YOUTH STARTUP

  • A startup with at least one founder under the age of 26 (On the day that public nominations open) with the potential to become Startup of the Year in the future. Its product and/or service should already be on the market and on a path to disrupt its industry and positively impact the economy and the world.

  • All criteria of the Startup of The Year apply in addition to having at least one founder under the age of 26 (On the day that public nominations open).

COMPETITION CATEGORIES -
INDIVIDUALS:

founder of the year

  • A startup founder or co-founder who has shown strong leadership skills and achieved exceptional business results while also being an inspiration to their team and a role model for the next generation of founders.

  • The individual must be a founder or co-founder of a startup with a maximum of 5 years in age (calculated from the establishment date until public nominations open).

EMPOWERMENT CHAMPION of the year

  • An individual distinguished by exceptional role-model achievements and a notable commitment to empowering underrepresented groups to become founders, investors, and leaders within the local and international startup ecosystem.

    • An individual must perform their activity in the country that they are participating in, having a regional outreach/global impact is a plus. Additionally, they should be:

    • An individual who leads a specific organization and/or performs an activity to promote and enable more women and/or members of underrepresented groups to become professionals in the startup and innovation ecosystem.

    • Or, a woman or a member of an underrepresented group who is a leader/founder/entrepreneur who is leading a journey that is driven by innovation and impact.

    • 🌎 The applicant's leadership strategy should align with SDG Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

ecosystem hero of the year

  • An individual with a remarkable commitment to entrepreneurship and impactful contributions in nurturing startup growth and fostering collaboration. An individual who is a visionary spirit, actively shaping the entrepreneurial landscape by supportive and innovative initiatives.

    • The Ecosystem Hero of The Year must be an individual who leads a specific organization and/or performs an activity with exceptional dedication and impact in fostering entrepreneurship, nurturing startup growth, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders within the entrepreneurial landscape.

    • The individual must perform their activity in the country that they are participating in.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES -
ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT ENTITIES:

VC of The Year

  • An organization, or an entity that allocates capital with the expectation of generating a financial return while driving a positive impact on the Regional and Global levels.

  • The investor must be established in the country from which they are applying in the competition.

BEST ACCELERATOR/
INCUBATOR program

  • An Accelerator/Incubator Program that foster entrepreneurial ventures through fixed-term, cohort-based initiatives, etc.. These programs provide essential tools, resources, mentorship, and expertise,

  • The Accelerator/Incubator Program must be established in the country from which they are applying in the competition.

Best coworking
space

  • A co-working space that provides its services, support, and resources to fast-growth startups, and for creating a culture and an environment that fosters innovation and focuses on positively impacting the world.

  • The co-working space must be established in the country from which they are applying in the competition.

AUDIENCE-BASED CATEGORY:

people’s choice

  • Any applicant who has been announced a finalist in any of the categories above receives an automatic nomination to this category. The winner is the applicant with the highest number of accumulated public votes.

  • Collect the highest number of accumulated public votes.

FINALISTS ARE

ANNOUNCED!

The finalists of the GSA Central Europe regional competition have officially been announced and can be seen below.

This also means that public voting has opened, so make sure to vote and share your unique voting link with your network!

STARTUP OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

founder of the year FINALISTS

best coworking space finalists

FINTECH STARTUP OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

best newcomer finalists

ECOSYSTEM HERO OF THE YEAR finalists

EMPOWERMENT CHAMPION OF THE YEAR finalists

BEST ACCELERATOR/INCUBATOR PROGRAM finalists

  • birdincubator

    Croatia

    WEBSITE

  • foundation 787 (f787)

    Bosnia and Herzegovina

    WEBSITE

  • Fil Rouge Capital

    Croatia

    website

  • lighthouse ventures

    Czechia

    website

  • Speedup venture capital group

    Poland

    website

  • strt holding nyrt

    Hungary

    website

  • University Technology Incubator of STU

    Slovakia

    website

  • unsung heroes acceleration programme

    Poland

    website

  • accelpoint

    Poland

    website

  • AceON

    Czechia

    website

  • Innovation centre kosovo

    Kosovo

    website

  • Soulmates Ventures

    Czechia

    website

BEST AI-ENABLED STARTUP finalists

BEST GREENTECH STARTUP finalists

BEST HEALTH TECH STARTUP finalists

investor of the year finalists

WHO WILL TAKE THE

GLOBAL STAGE?

The Central Europe Regional Finale will also reveal the standout startups, founders, and ecosystem players chosen as this edition’s winners.

These are the individuals and teams who are pushing boundaries in their fields - and they’ll go on to represent Central Europe at the Global Startup Awards in 2026.

  • STARTUP OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST NEWCOMER


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST HEALTH TECH STARTUP


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST FINTECH STARTUP


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST GREENTECH STARTUP


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • VC OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST ACCELERATOR/INCUBATOR PROGRAM


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST COWORKING SPACE


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • FOUNDER OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • DIVERSITY ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST AI-ENABLED STARTUP


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • ECOSYSTEM HERO OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • PEOPLE'S CHOICE


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

SUPPORTED BY

Csodálatos Magyarország

Hungarian Innovation Agency

Co-founded with

GLOBAL STARTUP

AWARDS 2025