Pitch. Win. Become Gold Sponsor in 2027.
The CEE HR tech ecosystem is full of bold ideas, innovative solutions and ambitious founders. In 2026, we are giving these startups a dedicated regional stage.
At recruiTECH CEE x HRTECH CEE 2026, we are launching our first-ever Startup Competition, designed specifically for early-stage and scaling HR, TA and people tech companies from the CEE region.
Why we created the Startup Competition
Over the years, recruiTECH CEE has become a key meeting point for HR and TA decision-makers, practitioners and technology providers across Central and Eastern Europe. We see more and more innovative startups emerging in the region, often with strong products, but limited opportunities to reach real buyers and decision-makers.
The Startup Competition was created to:
- Give visibility to promising CEE-based HR and people tech startups
- Create a direct connection between founders and HR/TA leaders
- Provide honest, professional feedback from an expert jury
- Support the long-term growth of the regional HR tech ecosystem
Who should apply?
The competition is open to HR, Talent Acquisition and people tech startups that:
- Are based in the CEE region
- Have a working solution or MVP
- Are ready to present their product and value proposition on stage
- Want to scale, gain visibility and connect with enterprise HR decision-makers
Whether you focus on recruitment, employer branding, HR analytics, learning, workforce management or any other people tech area, if your solution brings real value, we want to see it.
What’s in it for startups?
The selected startups will get a unique opportunity to showcase their solution at one of the leading HR tech events in the region.
On-stage pitch opportunity
- 15-minute live presentation on the recruiTECH CEE x HRTECH CEE stage
- Present your solution in front of a professional jury and a live audience
- Direct exposure to HR and TA decision-makers from across the CEE region
Visibility and feedback
- Strong visibility during recruiTECH CEE x HRTECH CEE, May 28–29, 2026
- Real, practical feedback from experienced HR leaders and experts
- Brand exposure within the recruiTECH CEE community
The ultimate prize
🏆 The winning startup receives a Gold Sponsorship package for recruiTECH CEE x HRTECH CEE 2027, providing:
- Premium visibility at the event
- Direct access to enterprise HR and TA leaders
- A powerful platform to support your next growth phase
How the competition works
- Apply online via a short application form
- Our jury reviews all submissions
- 3 startups with the most exciting and relevant solutions are selected
- Finalists pitch live on stage at recruiTECH CEE x HRTECH CEE 2026
- The jury selects the winning startup
Key dates
- 🗓 Application deadline: February 10, 2026
- 🎤 Live pitches: May 28–29, 2026
- 📍 Location: recruiTECH CEE x HRTECH CEE – Budapest, Hungary
Ready to step on the CEE HR tech stage?
If you believe your solution can shape the future of HR and Talent Acquisition in the CEE region, this is your moment.
👉 Apply for the Startup Competition and show your solution to the CEE HR tech market.
CEE you on stage,
The recruiTECH CEE x HRTECH CEE Team