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, transforming the city into a buzzing hub for innovation and entrepreneurship on March 24, 2026 . The 11th edition of Startup Safari Budapest is returning with a fresh, concentrated energy, inviting tourists, digital nomads, and tech enthusiasts to dive into the heart of the Central and Eastern European startup scene . This year’s “startup jamboree” introduces a more focused format, where all the action—from high-stakes pitches to late-night networking—takes place exclusively at the vibrant Create26 venue, ensuring an immersive, full-day experience under one roof .
Join the startup vibe in the heart of Budapest
Startup Safari is far from your typical sit-down conference; it is a dynamic festival designed to bridge the gap between global visionaries and local dreamers . Supported by the National Innovation Agency (NIÜ) and the Hungarian Tourism Program Foundation, the event provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the local innovation ecosystem connects with the global market . Every corner of Create26 will be utilized to spark collaborations, offering a seamless journey through the latest trends in robotics, fintech breakthroughs, and the transformation of creative industries . Whether you are a curious traveler or a seasoned professional, the atmosphere is perfect for witnessing how data and creativity continue to reshape modern business strategies .
Networking and global insights at Create26
The 2026 program features an impressive lineup of industry heavyweights ready to share their secrets with the international community . You can catch thought-provoking sessions from corporate leaders like Eszter Ágnes Danyi of Tesco or dive into the regional market landscape with Alina Georgescu from Catalyst Romania . For those interested in the power of collaboration, Dr. Péter Oszkó and István Kapitány will explore how agile startups can effectively partner with massive multinational corporations like Shell . The diversity of the speakers, including experts like Orsolya Csetri and Kamilla Strausz, ensures that participants gain a truly international perspective on the future of innovation .
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 for this year’s Safari . One of the day’s most anticipated highlights is a panel led by Petya Balogh of STRT, focusing on the “investor bidding war” currently surrounding the most promising AI startups . This session is essential for anyone looking to understand how venture capitalists choose which technologies to fund and what founders must do to stand out in a hyper-competitive environment . Alongside this, Péter Langmár will provide deep dives into European investment cooperation, making it an ideal spot for visitors to learn about the financial engines driving the tech world today .
Experience the famous Reverse Pitch
For something truly unconventional, make sure to attend the legendary Reverse Pitch, which returns after last year’s massive success . In this fan-favorite format, the roles are completely flipped: instead of nervous founders pitching to a panel, it is the investors themselves—including figures like Farbod Lotfi—who take the stage to prove why they are the best partners for a growing company . An active jury of industry players, such as Gergő B. Farkas of Startion.io, will be there to ask the tough, unfiltered questions that startups usually don’t get to ask . It is a transparent and entertaining way to see how the “big money” thinks and operates in the CEE region .
How to make the most of your Safari experience
To ensure you have the best time at the event while visiting Budapest, it is important to plan ahead as some sessions and workshops require pre-registration due to limited seating . Beyond the formal talks, the day is packed with 1-on-1 meeting opportunities and networking sessions where you can meet entrepreneurs like Tamás Barathi or Krisztián Egerszegi and explore new professional partnerships . Tickets are currently available in tiers, with Super Early Bird rates starting at 7,990 HUF before rising to the standard on-site rate of 15,990 HUF after March 21 . Don’t miss the chance to be part of this community on March 24 and help shape the future of global innovation right here in Budapest .
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