From October 19–23, 2026, Prague will host Czech Startup Week, a series of conferences, workshops, investor gatherings, pitch competitions, and networking events aimed at connecting startups with capital, expertise, and international opportunities.
Initiated by CzechInvest, the initiative brings together independently organized events under a shared calendar, offering founders, investors, corporate representatives, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs opportunities to connect across the city.
Following an edition that attracted 2,500 visitors in 2025, Czech Startup Week returns with a programme spanning venture capital, fintech, defense and security, space technology, and international business expansion.
Unlike a traditional conference, Czech Startup Week does not have a single venue or admission ticket. Each event has its own organizers, registration requirements, and programme. Some are open to the wider startup community, while others require paid tickets or invitations. Check out our selection below!
Monday, October 19: Networking, international expansion, and fintech
Scaling Up: Europe, Africa and Beyond
Organized by CzechInvest, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and partners, the event focuses on international startup cooperation, bringing together entrepreneurs and ecosystem representatives from Europe and Africa. It offers opportunities to explore cross-border partnerships and new markets.
The Hackathon: Coding the Future of Finance
The FinTechers, in cooperation with Deloitte and AWS, is organizing a two-day hackathon where entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators will collaborate to develop solutions for the financial industry.
Tuesday, October 20: Demo days, investment, and founder gatherings
Tech Happy Hours
Tech Happy Hours returns for its third edition, organized by Technology Incubation and Startup Kitchen in cooperation with Czech Founders. The programme covers the future of fintech, defense technology, international cooperation, and entrepreneurship, alongside the Pitch & Cheers international startup competition.
Wednesday, October 21: Venture capital and investment opportunities
Engaged Investments
Organized by DEPO Ventures and J&T Ventures, Engaged Investments (21-22 Oct.) is one of the flagship events of Czech Startup Week, bringing together up to 500 participants, including approximately 250 venture investors, 150 founders, and more than 40 speakers. The 2026 edition focuses on the maturity of Central and Eastern Europe's venture capital ecosystem and Europe's technological resilience.
The first day focuses on investors and examines venture capital development, European defense investment, and cross-border exits. Speakers include representatives of the European Investment Fund, NATO Innovation Fund, Warsaw Equity Group, and other regional and international investment organizations.
The second day puts startups in the spotlight through the Engaged Startup Showcase, with selected companies pitching across pre-seed, seed, Series A, fintech, defense, and space categories. The conference also includes dedicated fintech and defense tracks, investor meetings, and networking opportunities.
Thursday, October 22: Fintech
UnBundled – Autumn edition
The programme explores stablecoins and new financial infrastructure, traditional finance and resilience, and the intersection of fintech and AI. Topics include digital payments, regulatory requirements, and accountability as AI becomes increasingly involved in financial transactions.
Friday, October 23: Defense and resilience
Future Forces Forum 2026
The three-day event (21-23 Oct.) provides a platform for discussing security challenges, emerging technologies, and cooperation between defense institutions and industry, making it particularly relevant for startups working on dual-use technologies and defense innovation.
Want to be part of Czech Startup Week? Check out the full programme and register for the events that interest you.