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Impulse Network Startup Competition 2026

Got a startup building the future of sport? This is your shot to get in front of the people who can take it further.

Apply to pitch at the Impulse Network Startup Competition, part of the Impulse Summit in St. Gallen, October 29-30, 2026. Finalists present live on stage to 300+ sports-business leaders, investors, and founders, and get direct feedback from a jury spanning sport, business, and venture.

2026 theme: Digital Platforms for Sports Communities. We're looking for the startups building the tools that connect players, clubs, recruiters, and fans, reshaping how sport communities work together.

Applications close 30 August. The Impulse Network team will begin reviewing applications immediately so the earlier you can apply, the better!

How it works:

1. Apply: a short written application

2. Selection: our team shortlists the strongest applicants

3. Public vote: shortlisted startups go head-to-head in a public vote in early September

4. Live pitch: the top finalists pitch live on stage at the Impulse Summit (29 October)

You're eligible if you're:

• Pre-seed or seed stage (early-stage)

• ≤25 employees

• founded ≤7 years ago

• New to the competition (haven't applied in a previous edition)

Applications are in English and take about 15 minutes.