Europe consistently produces world-class talent and breakthrough innovation. It graduates more engineers than the United States and leads in fields like deep tech, sustainability, and industrial innovation. Yet when it comes to building global tech giants, the continent still lags behind.
The challenge is no longer about innovation — it’s about scaling.
A Gathering Focused On Europe’s Growth Gap
From May 11–13, 2026, Podim 2026 in Maribor will bring together key players working to close this gap. The event connects policymakers, investors, and founders who are actively shaping Europe’s startup future.
Participants include major institutions such as the European Innovation Council, the European Commission’s Startup and Scaleup Taskforce, EUSPA, and initiatives like EU-INC, Future 500, and UNIDO’s Scale-X program.
The Core Challenges Holding Europe Back
The issues discussed at Podim 2026 reflect broader structural challenges across Europe:
- Fragmented capital markets
- Limited late-stage funding
- Barriers to cross-border expansion
- Talent retention challenges
What sets Podim 2026 apart is its format — decision-makers from policy, capital, and operations engage directly, turning discussion into actionable collaboration.
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A More Connected European Ecosystem
This year marks a strategic evolution for Podim 2026. Once a regional flagship, it is now positioning itself as a cross-border platform linking Southeast and Central Europe to wider growth opportunities.
New partnerships with initiatives like Scale-X and collaborations with Bits & Pretzels extend its reach beyond Slovenia. Regions such as the Western Balkans, the Adriatic corridor, and Central Europe — long rich in talent — are gaining stronger access to EU-level scaling mechanisms.
Voices From Across The Ecosystem
The speaker lineup blends policy, operator, and investor perspectives. Among them:
- Stefan Drüssler, Board Member at the European Innovation Council
- Anna Krzyżanowska
- Robin Wauters
Operational founders include:
- Amir Salihefendić
- Vlatko Matijević
- Ioan Iacob
- Stjepan Orešković
Capital Meets Opportunity
Investor participation spans the full funding lifecycle. Firms like Enterprise Investors and South Central Ventures are anchoring the Investor Academy program.
In total:
- 60+ VC funds managing over €10 billion
- 220 curated startups from the CEE and Adria regions
Podim 2026 At A Glance
- 80+ speakers from Europe, the US, and beyond
- 60+ active VC funds
- 220 selected startups
- 3 days of curated programming across deep tech, fintech, and B2B/B2C
Event Details
- Dates: May 11–13, 2026
- Location: Maribor, Slovenia
Organizers
The event is organized by Venture Factory in collaboration with Silicon Gardens, the Slovenian Enterprise Fund, and the Ministry of the Economy Tourism and Sport, alongside a broad network of international partners.
