CONCEPT
Calling all early-stage founders across Europe and the UK who are building the systems we cannot afford to lose. At the Startup Guide Summit, Impact Shakers, Meaningful Entrepreneurship 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.
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
A feature in Startup Guide
A feature in startupguide.com, promoted through the Startup Guide, Meaningful Entrepreneurship, 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.
2-month Mentorship Program
A spot on the Meaningful Entrepreneurship 2-month Mentorship Program
10 startups selected
5-minute pitch + 5-minute Q&A with jury
Winner announced on the Mainstage
Application Deadline: 9 October 2026
Faqs
What is ClimateTech?
ClimateTech is an umbrella term for technological solutions built to address the climate tech crisis.
Examples of climate technologies include solutions built to support decarbonization, energy transition, and emissions reduction.
What is InclusionTech?
InclusionTech are all technology solutions that work to provide more equal access. Examples are access to healthcare, education, financial services,...
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), with ClimateTech or InclusionTech in the core of its business. 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?
If you are selected as a finalist we would really love for you to attend and get the most out of your selection. If you can't attend, you won’t be able to participate in the 'Jury Award', but you can be considered for investment.
How will the investment prize work?
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.
Meaningful Entrepreneurship is an initiative exploring how alternative storytelling, education, and resources can better support emerging founders and the futures they aim to shape. Co-developed by the team behind Startup Guide.
