Applications are now open for the 2026 Women Startup Competition. Female-founded startups, as well as teams with at least 50% female representation, are invited from all over the world to participate in the international event taking place on December 2–3 in Budapest.
Participants will have the opportunity to present their projects to investors and international startup experts, gain professional support and valuable connections, and compete for a global prize package worth over €77,000, including €30,500 in cash prizes.
Beyond the Pitch: A Global Springboard for Female Founders
Founded in Hungary, the Women Startup Competition (WSC) has been helping female entrepreneurs for over a decade to turn their ideas into growing, investment-ready, and internationally competitive businesses.
As a result, WSC is much more than just a pitch competition. Throughout the program, founders can receive direct feedback from experienced mentors and startup experts, refine their business models and pitches, connect with investors and fellow founders, and join an active international startup community.
The goal is not simply to win, but for participants to move forward with a stronger business, better preparation, and higher-value international connections.
The Ultimate Grand Prize: €30,500 Cash and a San Francisco Fast-Track
The total value of the global prize package for the 2026 Women Startup Competition exceeds €77,000, which includes €30,500 in cash prizes.
However, the opportunity does not end with the Budapest finals. Following investment, the selected startup can participate in a 12-month preparation and mentorship program designed to further develop the business and prepare it for international market expansion.
The next stage of the program features two weeks of coliving and coworking in San Francisco, combined with participation in the Startup World Cup Grand Finale. This offers participants a direct opportunity to build investor and business network connections, explore the U.S. market, and gain firsthand insight into the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem. WSC is thus not merely a competition, but a growth journey capable of taking the most promising startups from Budapest all the way to Silicon Valley.
A Decade of Impact: Over 600 Startups and Millions in Potential Raised
The Women Startup Competition has been building its international community for over ten years. To date, the program has supported more than 620 startups, and every year around 300 teams—primarily founded or led by women—engage in its various initiatives, from the idea stage to early growth.
Over the years, WSC has supported founders through competitions, training sessions, mentorship programs, and investor connections, helping more than 21 participating startups secure funding.
Who Will Take the Stage? Call for Global Tech & Business Pioneers
Applications are open to teams from any country in the world for the event taking place on December 2–3 in Budapest. The program welcomes startups with a female founder and/or a team composed of at least 50% women.
Applicant startups do not need to have already raised capital or reached an advanced growth stage; WSC welcomes teams anywhere from the idea stage to early growth that are ready to advance their business, receive feedback, and pursue international opportunities.
Do you have a startup idea or are you already building your business? Present what you are creating to an international audience, gain professional feedback and connections, and take the next step toward the global market.
Applications are now open for the Women Startup Competition 2026 program on the official Women Startup Competition website.
Apply: