Every January, I sit down with a fresh calendar and map out the events that will shape my professional year. 2026 already feels different. Bigger. More ambitious. More interconnected.
Europe’s startup ecosystem is buzzing with a confidence that’s been building for years — and now it’s ready to show what it can really do.
Across the continent, innovation hubs are stepping into their own identities. Bologna is leaning into community‑driven gatherings, Berlin is sharpening its SaaS edge, Lisbon continues to scale its global tech magnetism, and Helsinki remains the cool‑headed powerhouse of deep tech. It’s a beautiful, diverse landscape.
There’s one event that stands out for me — not just as a highlight, but as the emotional centre of my year: ViennaUP 2026 – The Startup Festival.
ViennaUP 2026: The Beating Heart of Europe’s Startup Future
ViennaUP has grown into something rare: a festival that feels both global and deeply local. It’s not just a conference; it’s a city‑wide experience curated with intention, clarity, and a sense of welcome that only Vienna can deliver.
What makes ViennaUP special is its openness. You don’t just attend — you participate. You wander between venues that feel like chapters of the same story: innovation labs, cultural spaces, historic buildings repurposed for the future. You meet founders from every corner of Europe, investors who actually listen, and creatives who remind you why ideas matter in the first place. 2026 is shaping up to be its strongest edition yet.
Why ViennaUP 2026 stands out for me:
- It’s a festival, not a conference. The entire city becomes the venue — from the MuseumsQuartier to the Danube Canal. You feel the pulse of Vienna’s cultural and entrepreneurial identity blending seamlessly.
- It’s radically international. ViennaUP attracts people who don’t just want to pitch — they want to collaborate, build, and stay connected long after the event ends.
- It’s grounded in Vienna’s strengths. Smart city innovation, creative industries, deep tech, sustainability, mobility — all framed by a city that knows how to host with elegance and calm.
- It’s human. Conversations feel genuine. Encounters feel serendipitous. The pace is inspiring without being overwhelming.
For me, ViennaUP is where Europe’s startup ecosystem shows its best self: open, curious, ambitious, and deeply European in the most positive sense.
The Rest of My 2026 Startup Tour
Of course, ViennaUP is just one stop — albeit the one I’m most excited about. The rest of the year is shaping up to be a rich journey across Europe’s innovation map:
- The Bologna Gathering (Italy)
A warm, community‑driven event with a strong focus on founders supporting founders. - Italian Tech Week – Turin (Italy)
Italy’s boldest tech stage, where industry meets creativity and ambition. - ARRtist Summit – Berlin (Germany)
The SaaS revenue event that always delivers sharp insights and sharp conversations. - Web Summit – Lisbon (Portugal)
A global magnet for tech, policy, and big ideas — still unmatched in scale. - SaaStock – Dublin (Ireland)
The SaaS founder’s home base: practical, energetic, and always worth the trip. - Slush – Helsinki (Finland)
The winter pilgrimage for anyone serious about deep tech and global scaling.
Each of these events brings something unique — a different rhythm, a different community, a different lens on innovation. But ViennaUP remains the one that feels like home.
2026 is going to be a year of movement, ideas, and connection. A year where Europe’s startup ecosystem doesn’t just grow — it matures, collaborates, and shows the world what it’s capable of.
If you’re planning your own 2026 calendar, consider this your gentle nudge: ViennaUP is the one you shouldn’t miss.
If you notice any inaccuracies in my writing, please get in touch with me. I will be happy to correct it.