To participate, fill in the introduction form and attach a five-minute video in English presenting your talk topic. The jury will select three finalists who will enter a public vote. The winner will be announced on October 1 and will take the stage at sTARTUp Day 2026 on January 29–30 in Tartu. The prize also includes personal speech training, VIP passes, and accommodation during the festival.

You can apply with a talk on any topic that matters to you. Last year, contestants spoke about the parallels between drag culture and the startup world, the power of overcoming challenges and communication, lessons from growing a company, and the value of mental health and breathwork. While officially only one winner is chosen, the jury has sometimes decided to give stage opportunities to other outstanding candidates as well.

Last year’s winner, Erik Lavrov, recalls the contest with great warmth. “The most memorable moment was meeting Gleb Maltsev, who wished me luck before my speech and even gave me throat lozenges to help my voice hold up on stage,” he said. Lavrov added that the audience’s reaction gave him tremendous energy. “When I mentioned my girlfriend in the speech and she was shown on the big screen, it created a heartwarming response that was very special for me,” he shared. According to Lavrov, the key is to truly believe in your topic and connect it to your personal story or experience.



The organizers emphasize that they are looking for personal stories above all. “The topic doesn’t have to be about startups, but it must carry the startup mindset and come from personal experience,” says sTARTUp Day Program Manager Hristo Neiland.

sTARTUp Day will take place for the 10th time on January 29–30, 2026, at the Estonian National Museum, bringing together thought leaders, founders, and investors from the entrepreneurial world — offering inspiring stories, valuable connections, and new ideas.

More information HERE!

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sTARTUp Day is organized by the city of Tartu, the University of Tartu, Tartu Science Park, Tartu Biotechnology Park, Tartu Business Advisory Services, Tartu Centre for Creative Industries, and Swedbank.

The international activities of sTARTUp Day 2026, introducing Tartu and Estonia as attractive tourism destinations for business and networking, are co-funded by the European Union (30 000 euros for 1 event)