Startups apply now!
In this section, startups can find an overview of our current startup tenders and offers, such as the participation of Hamburg startups in trade fairs or conferences and awards. These are offered by Startup City Hamburg, which offer their services under the umbrella of IFB Innovationsstarter. Startups can find more information on the calls for entries and the application process in the respective linked PDFs and further links.
Startup City Hamburg @ SLUSH
Startup City Hamburg is taking you to SLUSH 2026 – Europe’s most founder‑driven startup conference in Helsinki!
Application deadline: 7 June 2026, 23:59 (CET)
SLUSH 2026 will take place 18 – 19 November 2026 in Helsinki and is one of the most important international networking events for tech startups and scaleups. The non‑profit event is primarily aimed at international founders, investors, media representatives, and political decision‑makers.
In addition to its strong focus on connecting startups with investors and partners, SLUSH features multiple stages hosting inspiring keynotes, panels, and discussions on current technology trends.
This year, we are excited to support seven Hamburg‑based startups, giving them the opportunity to experience SLUSH first‑hand and take their business to the next level. We are currently looking for startups that would like to travel to Helsinki with us.
One conference ticket for one representative of the selected startupCooperation fee of €500
Participation in the German joint presence as part of “Startup‑Champs Germany”
→ Startups will be represented as a sub‑joint stand within the official German pavilion.
→ The logos of the participating startups will be visibly displayed at the stand.Media coverage of the participating startups via the communication and social media channels of Startup City Hamburg
Integration into own events as well as into (inter‑)national networks of Startup City Hamburg
Support with matchmaking before and during the event
Note: Travel and accommodation must be booked and organised independently by the participating startups. Startup City Hamburg supports networking and matchmaking activities before and during the event.
If you are…
looking for international investors,
interested in international media visibility,
aiming to acquire new mentors, partners, or customers,
or seeking new impulses to scale your business model,
...then SLUSH 2026 is the right platform for you.
What are the application requirements?
Company headquarters in Hamburg
(Commercial register entry required as proof)Startup age of no more than 10 years
Clear and demonstrable product‑market fit
Well‑founded entrepreneurial interest in participating in SLUSH 2026
Timely submission of the application
Evaluation by an expert jury based on the submitted documents, in particular:
Maturity level of the startup
Scalability of the business model
International market potential
Notification of selected startups by email no later than 12 June 2026
Startup City Hamburg is a project of IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH and is funded by the Hamburg Ministry for Economic Affairs and Innovation.
Any questions? Feel free to contact us at: guide@startupcity.hamburg
Contact our Startup Guides for a consultation
Advisory Session for startups:
Reach out via mail at guide@startupcity.hamburg
Book a free startup consultation (by phone or video call on request, 40 minutes) with our Startup Guides.