VivaTech Next Startupper Award 2026
By VivaTech
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Closed: VivaTech's pitch competition for student founders with a tech startup of social or environmental impact; the winner gets EUR 5,000 (about ₹5.5 lakh) and a stand at VivaTech 2027.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- VivaTech
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 17 March 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by VivaTech. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The 2026 Next Startupper Award is closed. Applications closed on 16 March 2026, according to the official page, which gives no closing time or time zone. The final was held at VivaTech in Paris on 17 June 2026, and the page names no next edition, so none is announced.
The award is VivaTech's competition for student entrepreneurs, and the 2026 edition was the eighth. It is open to students with an innovative, tech-oriented project or startup that has a positive social or environmental impact and was created less than three years ago. This guide explains how it worked, so a student founder in India can prepare for a future edition.
What the award offers
All six finalists receive four-day VIP speaker passes, a pitch on the Pitch Studio stage at VivaTech, a masterclass with the CEO of Welcome To The Jungle and a dedicated programme during the event. The rules also mention startup passes for the team, up to four in total. The grand winner additionally gets a pitch on the Main Stage, a EUR 5,000 (about ₹5.5 lakh) cheque, a Startup Corner at the 2027 edition, a media and creative support package from DOOHYOULIKE with a masterclass from its creative studio, and a one-year Premium Business Plan subscription to Angel Start. Travel, accommodation and insurance for the final are at the finalist's own cost, per the rules.
Who can apply
You must be currently enrolled at a school or university, and able to show proof of enrolment. Your project or startup must be innovative, tech or digital oriented, and less than three years old. You need to communicate and pitch in English. The rules, set no requirement on country of residence or nationality, so a student founder at an Indian college can apply. One entry per candidate is allowed, and several candidates may not apply with the same project.
This award suits student teams with a working idea and early evidence of impact. It does not suit founders who have graduated, or companies older than three years.
How to apply
Applications were made online on the VivaTech challenges platform. According to the rules, you create an account, register your project, accept the rules, fill in the required information and upload an English pitch deck plus any useful supporting documents. The official rules are available as a PDF on the page. A practical tip: your deck should speak directly to the four judging areas below.
How applications are judged and what happens next
Six finalists are chosen, with attention to gender parity and to a diverse spread of schools and countries. The criteria are:
- Entrepreneur profile: vision, ambition, team complementarity, market and customer knowledge, skills and the quality of the pitch deck.
- Positive impact: meaningful social or environmental impact.
- Innovation: relevance, originality and technological innovation compared with alternatives.
- Scalability: a feasible, realistic and viable solution with strong technical, economic and environmental sustainability.
The 2026 timeline was: launch on 12 January, applications closing in March, finalists announced on 3 April, the final on 17 June and the VivaTech Startup Prizes on 19 June. Finalists pitch in English for 3 minutes, followed by 4 minutes of jury questions, per the rules.
About VivaTech
VivaTech describes itself as the world's rendezvous for startups and leaders to celebrate innovation. The 2026 event was its tenth edition, held in June at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Things to check before you apply
- Closing date: the official page showed 16 March 2026 with no closing time or time zone; confirm both in the next edition's rules.
- Travel: finalists must reach Paris at their own cost and may need a Schengen visa, so check visa timing early.
- Student status: keep your enrolment proof ready.
- Free entry: registration is free, with no purchase required, according to the rules.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
The grand winner receives a EUR 5,000 (about ₹5.5 lakh) cheque and a Startup Corner stand at VivaTech 2027. All six finalists get VIP speaker passes and startup passes for team members (up to four passes), visibility at VivaTech and networking with the jury. Travel, accommodation, insurance and personal costs for attending the final are not covered.
- Cohort size
- 6 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Six finalists are chosen on entrepreneur profile, positive impact, innovation and scalability, with attention to gender parity and a diverse spread of schools and countries. Finalists pitch at VivaTech in Paris and the jury names the grand winner at the awards ceremony.
Application Process
- 1
Apply online
Register your project and upload a pitch deck in English on the award platform.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VivaTech Next Startupper Award still open?
No. The 2026 edition is closed and its final took place on 17 June 2026. The official page names no next edition.
Can Indian students apply for the Next Startupper Award?
The rules set no requirement on country of residence or nationality, so student founders at Indian institutions can apply. You must be currently enrolled and able to show proof.
How much does the winner get?
The grand winner receives EUR 5,000 (about ₹5.5 lakh), a Startup Corner at VivaTech 2027, a Main Stage pitch and a media and creative support package. The page also lists a one-year Angel Start subscription.
What do the six finalists get?
Four-day VIP speaker passes, a pitch on the Pitch Studio stage, a masterclass with the CEO of Welcome To The Jungle and a dedicated programme during the event.
What was the deadline?
Applications closed on 16 March 2026, according to the official page, which gives no closing time or time zone. The 2026 round has ended.
How old can my startup be?
The project or startup must have been created less than three years ago. It should be tech or digital oriented with a positive social or environmental impact.
Do I have to travel to Paris?
Only finalists attend the final at VivaTech. Per the rules, travel, accommodation and insurance are at the finalist's own cost.
What do I need to submit?
An online application with an English pitch deck and any other useful documents, plus proof of student status. The official rules are available as a PDF on the page.
How are finalists chosen?
On entrepreneur profile, positive impact, innovation and scalability, with attention to gender parity and diverse schools and countries.
Is it free to enter?
Yes, per the rules registration and participation are free with no obligation to purchase. Results: finalists were announced on 3 April 2026 and the winner on 17 June at the final.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
