Ways Startup Awards at WaysConf 2026
Ways Startup Awards is a competition for early-stage startups. Apply with a simple form, get selected for the final, and pitch live in front of a jury and 1,600+ professionals.
A stage for startups, in front of the right audience
Early-stage startups pitch live during WaysConf 2026. The jury evaluates business potential, product innovation, and traction. Winners receive strategic, product, legal, promotional and mentoring support.
Apply
Short form + pitch deck + traction. ~5 minutes.
Selection
Finalists invited to pitch live at WaysConf.
Pitch at the final
Live on stage at Expo Kraków. Winners announced.
Why Apply
Pitching at Ways Startup Awards is more than a shot at the prizes — it's visibility, feedback and relationships that compound long after the conference ends.
Gain visibility in front of the WaysConf community
Present your startup to an audience of product, design, research, tech and business professionals who understand digital products and can become your users, clients, partners or supporters.
Validate your product with the right people
Get direct feedback from experienced practitioners, industry experts and potential customers who can help you improve your product, positioning and go-to-market direction.
Compete for valuable growth support
The awards include strategic, product, legal, promotional and mentoring support designed to help early-stage startups move faster and make better decisions.
Sharpen your pitch and business story
Taking part in the competition helps you clarify your value proposition, explain your product more clearly and prepare for conversations with investors, partners and customers.
Build credibility for your startup
Being selected for the showcase, pitching at WaysConf or winning an award can strengthen your brand and make it easier to open future conversations.
Connect with potential partners and mentors
The competition creates a space to meet people who can support your next steps, from product development and strategy to legal guidance, promotion and market access.
Open doors to new opportunities
Beyond the prizes, the competition can lead to new introductions, media visibility, event exposure and conversations that continue after the conference.
Who can apply
Early-stage startups building a digital or tech-enabled product
Registered companies
All industries welcome
Małopolska region
What you can win
The winning startups will receive support designed to help them grow with more clarity, confidence and visibility. The awards are built around the real needs of early-stage teams: sharpening strategy, improving the product, reaching the right audience, strengthening business foundations and opening doors to new partnerships. Beyond the prizes themselves, the competition gives startups a chance to gain recognition, receive expert feedback and connect with people who can support their next stage of growth.
Grand Prix: Best Startup of the Showcase
Product Potential Award
Market Access Award
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to pitch your startup?
Applications close August 20. The form takes about 5 minutes.Looking to sponsor? Contact us →
