Global Tech Innovator 2026

The future doesn’t change by accident: it’s built by innovators who move ideas forward.

The KPMG Global Tech Innovator spotlights the most ambitious tech scaleups from around the world. Now in its 6th year, this annual competition brings together bold technology entrepreneurs from over 20 countries, offering the visibility, credibility and connections with global technology leaders and investors to help take your business to the next level.

If you’re a fast‑growing business with the potential to transform industries, empower communities or redefine markets, this is your chance to pitch your innovation on a national and global stage. Apply for the Dutch Tech Innovator for the chance to represent the Netherlands at the Global Final against 20 other countries.

Step forward. Stand out. Shape the future.

On  25 June 2026, we’re hosting the national competition for the Netherlands to find the next Dutch Tech Innovator. 6 finalists will be selected to pitch in the Dutch competition, with the winner going on to compete in the global final during Web Summit conference in Lisbon.

If you are a fast-growing startup or scaleup with a promising product or service and international ambitions, we invite you to pitch to our jury. This is an opportunity to showcase your company and be recognized as one of the Netherland’s most exciting rising stars.

Find out more about the application criteria below.

June 25, 2026
Time: 15:00-21:00 (CET) 
Location: TBD
Format: Pitches will take place in a closed setting, followed by a celebration dinner with all finalists and jury members.

If you’re selected as one of the 6 Dutch finalists, you’ll get:

If you are crowned the Dutch Tech Innovator 2026, you’ll also win:

Applicants are typically tech entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the start-up phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction, and have the potential to scale up globally.

• Be a registered company in The Netherlands 

• Have been actively operating for 7 years or less (in the current form)

• Generate revenue between US $1 million and $15 million; or have raised at least US $500,000 in equity 

• Be either a pure technology or a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business

• Not be majority owned by a large corporate 

• Conduct all pitches in English

• Available to pitch at our event on 25 June in Amsterdam 

• If selected as the Dutch finalist, be available to pitch at the global final at in Lisbon, Portugal from 9-12 November 2026

The pitches will be judged by a panel of industry experts who will listen to the pitch, and ask some follow up questions.
All applications will be scored based on six, equally-weighted criteria:

• Disruption and innovation
  
• Market potential
  
• Customer adoption
  
• Market traction and marketing
  
• Long-term potential
  
• Pitch quality

The decision of the panel is final.

At the global final, tech entrepreneurs from around the world will take the stage. These will be the winners of their respective national countries, representing:

Africa, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Taiwan, UAE, UK,USA.

Q: What information do I need to provide in my application?

A: If you’d like to apply, here’s what we’ll need:

• Company details (name, address, company registration number, contact details)

• CEO, founder and management team details

• A brief description of the company, business model, any media coverage and proprietary technology (maximum of 200 words)

• Details on funding raised to date, 2025 revenue figures and projections for 2026

• A high-resolution image of your company logo

Q: What is the pitching format?

A: Each company will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A with the judging panel. Pitches will be conducted in a closed-door setting (no audience present). Supporting slides are allowed, and must be delivered in Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF file format. A detailed pack outlining requirements will be shared with shortlisted businesses before the event.

Q: How and when will the winners be notified?

A: The Dutch winner will be announced on the day of the event after the jury has deliberated. The Global Tech Innovator winner will be announced on stage (in person and virtually) in November 2026.

Q: What are the costs involved in participation?

A: There is no cost involved for entering into the competition, although all costs related to attendance at Dutch finals must be covered by the participants themselves. KPMG will cover the cost of standard class flights/travel, and accommodation for finalist who is invited to present in Lisbon in November.

Q: Is there any publicity involved?

A: KPMG will be promoting the competition in the run up and after the event. By entering the competition, you agree that your company name and logo may be promoted in relation to the competition.

If you are a winner of the competition, you agree that KPMG may use your name, image and company branding to announce the winner of the competition and for any other reasonable and related promotional and marketing purposes.

Q: Will I receive feedback on my application?

A: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. Due to the volume of entries received, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to each unsuccessful applicant. We value the time and effort put into each submission and thank you for your participation.

Q: Who do I get in touch with for further information? 

A: For any further information please email sayers.izzy@kpmg.nl