Applications are open for the AI Ethics and Integrity International Association (AIEI) Startup Pitch Session 2026 - a stage for early- and growth-stage AI startups at the AI Horizon Conference 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Selected founders pitch to industry leaders, investors, researchers, and policymakers. Application deadline: 31 October 2026; selections announced 3 November 2026; pitch session 11 November 2026 at Lumen Hotel, Lisbon.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official AIEI Startup Pitch Session and AI Horizon Conference pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - AIEI Startup Pitch Session 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organiser | AI Ethics and Integrity International Association (AIEI) |
| Event | AI Horizon Conference 2026 |
| Where | Lumen Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal |
| Pitch format | ~3-minute startup spotlights (recorded & shared) |
| Who | Early- & growth-stage AI startups (any industry) |
| Deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Selection notice | 3 November 2026 |
| Pitch date | 11 November 2026 (evening programme) |
| Apply | Official AIEI pitch form |
About AIEI & AI Horizon
AIEI is a non-profit association (Bern, Switzerland & Lisbon, Portugal) promoting AI standards, responsible policy, and a global community around ethical AI. AI Horizon is its flagship conference bringing together AI leaders, partners, and innovators.
Benefits for Selected Startups
- Pitch in front of industry leaders, investors, researchers, and policymakers
- Visibility through conference media and AIEI association channels
- Networking with AI organisations and individual professionals
- Recorded pitch shared across the AIEI network for extended visibility
Eligibility
- Early-stage and growth-stage startups using AI in any industry
- Teams with a working product, prototype, or well-defined concept
- Innovative use of AI to solve real-world problems
- Strong potential for scalability and global impact
- Clear business model and growth strategy
What to Prepare
Complete the online form on the official page (only complete applications are considered). Required fields include:
- Your name, job title, startup name, website, contact email
- Headquarters (city, country)
- Startup information: one-sentence description, stage, problem, solution, team summary
- Pitch deck upload (PDF or PPT)
- Optional: social links or press mentions
- Consent to AIEI privacy notice and terms of use
How to Apply
- Review criteria on the official Startup Pitch Session page.
- Optionally review the AI Horizon Conference 2026 programme (Lisbon, 11 November).
- Submit the on-page form with your deck by 31 October 2026.
- Await selection notice on 3 November 2026.
Official Links
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FAQs - AIEI Startup Pitch Session 2026
When is the deadline?
31 October 2026.
Where and when is the pitch?
11 November 2026 at Lumen Hotel, Lisbon, during AI Horizon Conference 2026.
Who can apply?
Early- and growth-stage AI startups with a product, prototype, or well-defined concept and a clear business model.
Where do I apply?
Via the form on ai-ei.org/startup-pitch-session-ai-horizon-conference.
