Ways Startup Awards: The Stage Where Małopolska’s Next Big Startups Step Into the Spotlight

As a proud partner of WaysConf 2026, we’re excited to shine a light on one of the event’s most anticipated moments: the Ways Startup Awards.

This pitch contest gives early-stage startups the chance to step onto the WaysConf stage in Kraków, present their products live, and compete for a total prize pool worth 100,000 PLN. But beyond the prizes, what makes this competition worth watching is what it represents — a real opportunity for founders to gain visibility, sharpen their pitch, and connect with people who can genuinely help them grow.

Who’s Eligible

The competition is open to:

• Early-stage startups building a digital or tech-enabled product
• Registered companies
• Teams from any industry
• Startups based in Małopolska, or with business ties to the region

What the Jury Will Be Looking For

Finalists will present in front of a jury (including Hard2beat’s team) and the wider WaysConf community, and will be evaluated on business potential, product innovation, existing traction, quality of the solution, the team’s readiness for growth, and product-market fit. 

What’s at Stake

The winning startups won’t just walk away with a trophy — they’ll receive support tailored to the real needs of early-stage teams:

🏆 The Grand Prix — Best Startup of the Showcase Awarded to the strongest startup overall, this prize includes an invitation to Sebastian Kulczyk’s InCredibles community, a strategic diagnosis from Louder & Higher, promotion across WaysConf’s official social media channels, and legal services from the event’s partner law firm.

🚀 Product Potential Award — Strongest Product Potential For the team with the most promising product direction: an MVP workshop delivered by Personit, plus a strategic diagnosis from Louder & Higher.

🌍 Market Access Award — Most Ready for Market Exposure For the startup ready to scale its visibility: a booth at WaysConf 2027, exhibition space at Infoshare Conference 2027 (with two conference tickets included), and a strategic diagnosis from Louder & Higher.

How to Apply

Getting on stage is simple: fill out the application form, get shortlisted for the final, and pitch live in front of the jury and the more than 1,600 professionals expected to attend WaysConf 2026.

📅 Event date: 16 September 2026

📆 Submission deadline: 20 August 2026, 23:59

🔎 Learn more: waysconf.com/ways-startup-awards

👉 Apply here: waysconf.com/ways-startup-awards/form

🌐 More on the region’s innovation ecosystem: innowacyjna.malopolska.pl

If you’re building something ambitious and you’re ready to put it in front of the right audience, this is your moment. We’ll be following the Ways Startup Awards closely as a media partner — and we can’t wait to see who takes the stage.