Join us for an afternoon with local startups, top-tier speakers, and industry leaders in Tbilisi.
Date
December 15, 2026 ยท 06:30 PM
On December 15th, Tbilisi will become the epicenter of innovative entrepreneurship - a day to turn bold ideas into real impact.
IE University together with its main partner GITA are committed to empowering entrepreneurial talent across Georgia.
This unique event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders and corporate leaders to share their vision on the future of innovation in the region, and discover the most promising startups in the country.
The program features a high-level startup competition judged by a renowned panel of experts, along with insightful sessions focused on Tech Ventures, led by distinguished guest speakers.
SUBMIT YOUR STARTUP APPLICATION FOR THE COMPETITION!
aPPLICATIONS CLOSE ON November 15TH, 2026
THE STARTUP COMPETITION
From all applications received, we select up to 20 semi-finalist startups to advance to an online pitch phase. From this group, the jury will select up to 10 finalist startups to present at the grand finale, the IE Venture Day Georgia, on the 15th of December in Georgia.
* IMPORTANT NOTE: In-person attendance is mandatory if selected as a finalist.
submit your startup application for the competition!
applICATIONS CLOSE ON November 15TH, 2026
CRITERIA TO APPLY
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Who can participate?
Our aim is to support local innovators and inclusive startups with the following criteria:
- Based in Georgia or operating in such market,
- Offering a tech-driven solution to a public/private sector challenge, and
- At a pre seed or seed investment stage
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What do we assess?
- Innovation in product/service, business model or commercialization strategy
- Scalability of the business model
- Solid team, with combined skills, experience, and passion
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Why to participate?
All finalists at IE Venture Day have the chance to
- Gain exposure to investors and ecosystem leaders looking for the next big idea to invest in, and
- Access prizes from the Organizers and Partners as described below
PRIZES
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FOR THE WINNER
- Fast-track to South Summit preselection stage:
The winning team may choose to attend the South Summit Brazil or Madrid 2027 finals in person. The team will also receive up to 4 complimentary passes to South Summit.
Condition: To be eligible for this benefit, the winning startup must be legally incorporated in its home country, in accordance with South Summit's participation requirements.
Only the fast-track is offered; no traveling costs are covered.- Free Basic Tickets to South Summit:
The winning team can choose between any upcoming South Summit event (up to 4 tickets). Only tickets are offered, no travelling costs are covered.
- Scholarships for an IE Lifelong Learning Online Program
The winning team can redeem one 50% scholarship and up to three 25% scholarships.
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FOR THE FINALISTS
- Free Basic Tickets to South Summit
Finalist teams can choose between any upcoming South Summit event (up to 4 tickets). Only tickets are offered, no travelling costs are covered.
- Scholarships for an IE Lifelong Learning Online Program
Finalist teams can redeem up to four 25% scholarships.
