CONCEPT
Calling all early-stage founders across Europe and the UK who are building the systems we need for thriving people and a thriving planet.
At the Startup Guide Summit, Impact Shakers and LSE Generate join forces for a pitch competition spotlighting startups that future-proof Europe's critical systems: the infrastructure we build, the infrastructure we protect, and the societies that hold it together.
Building for what comes next
Energy, water, food, health, housing, care, education, mobility, digital and information infrastructure. These are the systems everything else rests on, and most were not built for the pressures they now face.
We are selecting 10 early-stage startups from across Europe to pitch live at the Summit in front of founders, investors and policymakers, and to compete for recognition as one of the ventures making Europe's critical systems more resilient, more inclusive and more fit for the future.
Impact Shakers is looking to invest its final ticket from their Impact Shakers Ventures I fund, will you be the last one to join this portfolio?
Three categories
Building Critical Infrastructure
Building the infrastructure we need for an independent, competitive and resilient European economy.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Protecting the infrastructure we have, natural and man-made, to make it more resilient, connected and regenerative.
Resilient Societies
Building a kind, connected and joyful society that holds together and prioritises human dignity and wellbeing.
What we’re looking for
01
Startups based in Europe or the UK
02
Early-stage: pre-seed or seed, with under 2 million euros raised
03
Building solutions in one of the three critical systems categories above
04
A diverse founding team with at least one underrepresented founder
What you get
Startup Guide Feature
A feature in startupguide.com, promoted through the Startup Guide, LSE Generate and Impact Shakers platforms.
Access to Key Players
Access to mentors and investors from the Summit network.
Visibility
Visibility in front of policymakers, media, and Europe’s startup ecosystem.
Potential Investment
Be considered for a €250k investment from Impact Shakers Ventures I
10 startups selected
5-minute pitch + 5-minute Q&A with jury
Winner announced on the Mainstage
Application Deadline: 9 October 2026
Jury
Faqs
What do you mean by Critical Systems?
Critical systems are the infrastructure and social foundations that everything else depends on: energy, water, food, health, housing, care, education, mobility, and digital and information infrastructure. Most of these systems weren't built for the pressures they face today. The competition looks for startups building, protecting, or strengthening these systems, across three categories: building critical infrastructure, protecting critical infrastructure, and resilient societies.
Who can apply?
Any for-profit company that has raised less than 2 million euros in equity funding, registered in the continent Europe (incl. the UK), building solutions in one of the three Critical Systems categories: Building Critical Infrastructure, Protecting Critical Infrastructure, Resilient Societies.
All companies need to have a diverse founding team and at least 1 underrepresented founder.
Which countries can participate?
All countries on the continent Europe.
Can I change my entry after submission?
If you believe the new information is crucial for the judging process, feel free to email us at hello@impactshakers.com
What if I can't attend the summit in person?
This year, we’re only accepting applications from those who want to attend in person in Lisbon. If you’d still like to get onto the ‘Impact Shakers Radar’ you’ll find an application on the same platform you find the pitch competition application.
How will the investment work?
Impact Shakers is looking for its final investment of 250k of their Impact Shakers Ventures I fund.
The Investment prize(s) are subject to further diligence and negotiations.
This page will be regularly updated
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HOSTs
Impact Shakers is a global impact ecosystem tackling societal and environmental challenges through inclusive entrepreneurship. Impact Shakers mission is to create impact at scale by evolving how we build businesses, for what purpose and who gets to build them.
LSE Generate is the Entrepreneurship Hub at London School of Economics. They support the school’s students and alumni to develop entrepreneurial skills with an all-year-round programme.
