Impact-driven startups from any country are invited to apply for the Gap in Between Startup Challenge 2026, an international competition organised by The Gap in Between platform that connects early and growth-stage startups with investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem actors. One winning startup takes home a €10,000 prize. The final event takes place in person in Valencia, Spain, on October 20, 2026.
About the Challenge
Social and environmental challenges do not follow borders, and neither does this competition. The Gap in Between Startup Challenge is built on the premise that impact innovation needs more than funding — it needs the right connections, the right stage, and the right ecosystem. The 2026 edition focuses on five verticals: Climate Tech & Energy, Smart Cities & Mobility, AgriTech & Food Systems, Health, Wellbeing & Care, and Social & Economic Systems. Application and preparation phases are fully online; selected startups are expected to attend the Valencia finale in person.
Who Can Apply
The challenge is open to startups from all geographies. Organisers are looking for teams that are past the idea stage — specifically:
- Impact-driven startups working in climate, mobility, health, food, or social innovation
- Founders seeking investment or strategic partnerships
- Startups with a validated product and initial market traction
- Teams with a credible path to international scale
Both early and growth-stage startups are eligible. There is no application fee, and participation in the event is also free.
What Selected Startups Receive
All cohort startups gain access to curated matchmaking with investors, corporates, and institutional ecosystem actors, participation in The Gap in Between event, and visibility within a global impact innovation network.
Semifinalists receive additional benefits:
- Dedicated presence and pitch sessions at the Valencia event
- Direct exposure to investors and corporate decision-makers
The overall winner receives a €10,000 prize.
