Do you have what it takes to become HR tech's next big thing?
You're in luck: Pitchfest is coming to Europe!
This is an exclusive opportunity for the industry’s boldest, early-stage HR tech innovators. Entries will be assessed, and the final shortlist will be invited to present live to a panel of judges, competing for cash and prizes of up to €20,000, as well as global recognition.
Entry Criteria: Only companies exhibiting at HR Tech Europe 2026, including those in the Startup Pavilion, are eligible to apply.
2026 Pitchfest Judges
Johannes Sundlo
Founder & AI Adoption Advisor
Prorio AI
Founder & AI Adoption Advisor
Prorio AI
Shlomit Gruman - Navot
Senior Advisor
BetterUp
Thomas Otter
Venture Capitalist
Acadian Ventures
Venture Capitalist
Acadian Ventures
Jason Averbook
Senior Partner, Global Leader of Digital HR Strategy, Mercer
Senior Partner, Global Leader of Digital HR Strategy, Mercer
Schedule and Format
In each round, ten companies will have three minutes to present, then two minutes to answer questions from the judges. Of the twenty companies presenting in each preliminary round, two from each round will be selected to advance to the Pitchfest final!
Each finalist will have five minutes to present and 2-3 minutes for a Q&A session with the judges.
Judging
A unique panel of judges will be seated for each round, including the final, drawn from a broad range of HR technology backgrounds. Judges’ input will be limited to questions during presentations and brief comments afterwards. Each round will also include audience voting, with the audience accounting for 30% of the final score and judges 70%. The combined scores from the preliminary rounds will determine which six companies advance to the finals.
What's Up For Grabs?
Competing in HR Tech Europe 2026 will give you bragging rights, up to €20,000 in cash and prizes.
Compete in HR Tech Europe's 2026 Pitchfest to pitch your vision to a panel of judges and a captive audience of potential investors and customers. Pitchfest isn’t just a competition; it’s a chance to claim substantial cash prizes and earn industry-wide recognition.
Your Intellectual Property
Competitions of this type sometimes raise concerns about intellectual property rights. Please note that HR Tech Europe is not able to protect or advise you on your intellectual property rights. HR Tech Europe cannot and does not take any responsibility for protecting your rights. Also, note that HR Tech Europe does not require non-disclosure or confidentiality requirements from those involved in the Pitchfest process. Applicants are solely responsible for protecting their intellectual property rights as related to applying and participating.