EDITION 11 - REGIONAL FINALE

GSA - SOUTH EUROPE

MÁLAGA AS THE OFFICIAL

HOST CITY

For the first time in Global Startup Awards history, we are gathering the brightest minds, boldest startups, and most inspiring ecosystem builders from across South Europe in one unforgettable location: Málaga, Spain.

This inaugural regional finale marks a new chapter for GSA, celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in the vibrant South European startup scene.

This regional finale is made possible thanks to the support of the main sponsor, Promálaga, who play a key
role in powering this inaugural edition.

POWERED BY

Málaga is more than a beautiful coastal city - it’s fast becoming one of Europe’s most dynamic tech hubs.

With its growing startup scene and international talent pool, Málaga sets the perfect stage for the inaugural South Europe Regional Finale.

Expect:

Sunny Mediterranean vibes.
Rich history & culture.
A thriving innovation ecosystem.
Fantastic networking opportunities.

WHY MÁLAGA?

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 South Europe’s future.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

Below is the high-level program for October 7–8 at the inaugural GSA South Europe Awards Ceremony - two days of startup showcases, curated networking, and the celebratory awards gala.

HIGH-LEVEL

PROGRAM

SOUTH EUROPE
ECOSYSTEM SUMMIT

OCTOBER 7, 2025

Program Details:

18:00-18:30: Check-In

18:30-19:30: Networking

19:30-21:00: The Málaga Experience

📍 Venue: Cybersecurity Center of Málaga

COLLABORATORS

INAGURAL SOUTH EUROPE AWARDS CEREMONY DAY

PROGRAM DETAILS:

17:00 - 17:15: Welcome and Check-in

17:15 - 18:30: Pre-networking

OCTOBER 8, 2025

📍 VENUE 1: Polo Digital CONTENT Málaga

18:45 - 19:30: Break and live music

19:30 - 19:45: Zoltan vardy (the launch code)

19:45 - 20:45: Awards Ceremony

21:00 - 22:00: Celebration cocktails

22:00 - 00:00: After-Party

📍 VENUE 2: Colección del Museo Ruso / Málaga

COLLABORATORS

We’re excited to welcome Zoltan Vardy, B2B Sales Advisor & Founder, as a speaker at the GSA South Europe Regional Awards Ceremony.

EXCLUSIVE SPEAKER

ANNOUNCEMENT

BIOGRAPHY

Zoltan Vardy is a B2B sales advisor, author and speaker who helps founders accelerate their revenue growth by sharpening their focus and structuring their sales to scale faster.

He’s generated $2 billion in sales over his 30 years as a C-suite executive and entrepreneur and has helped 200+ startups in 26 countries close high-ticket deals using The Launch Code sales framework — also the foundation of his book on founder-led sales.

Zoltan has had successful exits as a founder and investor and is chairman of Antavo, an enterprise SaaS company. Based in London and Budapest, he empowers entrepreneurs to turn their vision into reality.

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 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).

diversity role model of the year

An individual distinguished by exceptional role-model achievements and a notable commitment to empowering women and 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.