BLCC | Eurostart Venture Awards start-up competition

What is EVA?

The Eurostart Venture Awards (EVA) celebrate the most promising university start-ups and spin-offs from Belgium, Luxembourg, and the UK. The event recognises innovation, entrepreneurship, and groundbreaking business ideas, highlighting ventures with the potential to make a real and lasting impact.

The EVA brings together talented student founders, university spin-offs, potential investors, and industry leaders in a dynamic, cross-border competition. Whether participants are at day one of their idea or already building companies that are driving meaningful change, the EVA provides a respected platform for them to showcase their ventures, share their professional journey, answer questions, and connect with the networks that can help elevate their journey.

At its core, the EVA champions creativity, ambition, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Our mission is simple: to support the next generation of innovators by giving them the visibility, connections, and encouragement they need to thrive.

The Event

The Eurostart Venture Awards 2026 introduces an expanded two-day programme designed to support innovators at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. This year’s edition features two distinct competitions, one for early-stage university start-ups and another for revenue-generating university spin-offs.

Hosted at the Luxembourg Ambassadors' Residence, this event brings together emerging university founders from across Belgium, Luxembourg, and the UK to present their ventures at the start of their journey.

Each finalist will deliver a 5-minute pitch, followed by a 10-minute Q&A with an expert panel of judges. Every participating team is guaranteed a cash prize between £1,000 and £5,000, offering support toward growing or developing their idea.

The evening continues with a networking reception, giving attendees the chance to meet and collaborate with fellow founders, investors, mentors, and industry professionals.

Hosted at the Belgian Ambassadors' Residence, the second event showcases established, revenue-generating university spin-offs with proven traction and strong growth potential.

A select group of 5-6 companies will be invited to pitch their innovation, milestones, and future vision directly to a tailored network of venture capitalists and strategic investors.

Following the presentations, VCs and industry leaders will have the opportunity to engage directly with the founders during the networking evening, opening the door to potential partnerships, investment discussions, and long-term collaboration.