Startup Safari Budapest 2026: The Ultimate Innovation Festival for Tech Travelers
Budapest is gearing up to host one of the most exciting professional festivals of the year. On March 24, 2026, the 11th edition of Startup Safari Budapest will take over the Create26 venue, transforming the city into a buzzing hub for innovation and entrepreneurship . This event is a fantastic opportunity for visiting tourists, digital nomads, and tech enthusiasts to dive into the heart of the Central and Eastern European startup scene .
Event essentials at a glance
If you are planning your trip to Budapest around this period, here is the quick breakdown of what you need to know to attend this premier innovation gathering.
- Date: March 24, 2026
- Location: Create26, 1061 Budapest , Király Street 2.
- Event Type: Professional conference and city-wide innovation festival
- Supporting Partners: National Innovation Agency (NIÜ) and Hungarian Tourism Program Foundation
- Pricing: Tickets range from 7,990 HUF (Super Early Bird) to 15,990 HUF (Standard)
Join the startup jamboree in the heart of Budapest
Startup Safari isn’t your typical sit-down conference; it is a dynamic festival designed to bridge the gap between dreamers and doers . For the first time, this year’s edition introduces a more focused format where every session, networking activity, and workshop will take place exclusively at Create26, offering a seamless and immersive experience . Whether you are a curious traveler or a professional, this event offers a unique look at how the local innovation ecosystem connects with the global market .
Networking and global insights at Create26
The 2026 program features an impressive lineup of industry heavyweights who are ready to share their secrets . You can catch thought-provoking sessions featuring experts like Eszter Ágnes Danyi (Tesco), Orsolya Csetri (OXO Labs), and Kamilla Strausz (InnoMaker Partners) . If you are interested in how the region is growing, look for sessions covering everything from robotics to fintech breakthroughs and creative industry transformations .
Best deals of Budapest
Artificial Intelligence and the battle for talent
The world of AI is moving faster than ever, and Budapest is right in the thick of it . One of the day’s highlights is a panel led by Petya Balogh of STRT, focusing on the investor “bidding war” currently surrounding AI startups . This session is a must-watch to understand how investors choose which technologies to fund in such a competitive environment . Additionally, Péter Langmár will explore the latest trends in European investment cooperation .
Experience the famous Reverse Pitch
For something a bit more unconventional, make sure to attend the Reverse Pitch, which returns after last year’s massive success . In this session, the roles are completely flipped: instead of startups pitching to investors, the investors themselves—including figures like Farbod Lotfi—take the stage to prove why they are the best partners . An active jury, including Gergő B. Farkas, will be there to ask the tough questions that founders usually don’t get to ask .
How to make the most of your Safari experience
To ensure you have the best time at the event while visiting Budapest, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Register early: Some talks and workshops require pre-registration due to limited seating .
- Plan your schedule: The program is dense, covering topics from data to creativity; check the website to pick your favorites .
- Get ready to mingle: Use the 1-on-1 meeting opportunities to explore new partnerships or funding .
- Check the price periods: You can save significantly by booking before the Flash Sale or Conference Rate periods begin .
The 11th Startup Safari Budapest is more than just a business event; it’s a celebration of creativity and the city’s growing role as a tech leader in Europe . Don’t miss the chance to be part of this community on March 24 .
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