Startup Grants & Events

DOE SBIR/STTR FY26 Fall Opportunity - Phase I

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Award

Over $200 million in federal funding for Phase I grants. Up to $300,000 for Phase I.

Deadline

Dec 16, 2026

Region

United States

Stage

Early-stage research

Eligibility

U.S.-based small businesses. Project must align with DOE Phase I topics (e.g., grid innovation, nuclear detonation detection, cybersecurity).

This is a Phase I competition for early-stage research. Pitch submission is the first step.

Strategic Sites Accelerator

UK Government

Award

£700 million funding package. Aims to attract up to £2 billion in private investment.

Deadline

Deadline not listed

Region

United Kingdom

Stage

Growth, Expansion

Eligibility

Major industrial and commercial sites across the UK. Focus on commercially viable sites where government backing can overcome development barriers.

This program provides blended finance (loans, equity, grants) and expert support to unlock large-scale development projects.

EIC Accelerator (Short Proposals)

European Innovation Council (EIC)

Award

Grant up to €2.5 million, equity up to €10 million.

Deadline

Rolling (Short proposals); 2026-11-04 (Passed for 2026 full proposal cut-off)

Region

Europe (EU and associated countries)

Stage

TRL 6-8 for grant, TRL 9 for equity

Eligibility

Startups and SMEs with breakthrough technology, product, or business model. For companies in the EU or Horizon Europe associated countries. UK companies can get the grant but not the equity.

The last full proposal cut-off for 2026 was November 4, 2026. Short proposals are accepted at any time, and the 2027 short proposal call opens in November 2026.

DoD SBIR/STTR FY27 Release 1

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

Deadline

Nov 25, 2026

Region

United States

Stage

Early-stage R&D

Eligibility

Small businesses. Effective 10/01/2026, a small business may submit one proposal per topic.

This is the first release for FY2027.

Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Hiring Our Heroes), supported by FedEx

Award

One $25,000 grand prize and four $10,000 grants.

Deadline

Dec 15, 2026

Region

United States

Stage

Existing Businesses

Eligibility

For-profit businesses at least 51% owned by a veteran or military spouse. 3 to 20 employees, under $5 million in annual revenue. Must be in an economically distressed area or show financial hardship. Applicants must reside in the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, or Hawaii.

A significant opportunity for veteran and military spouse-owned businesses.

Vycarb - Colorado Energy Office Clean Air Program Grant

Colorado Energy Office

Award

Up to $2,713,200.

Deadline

Deadline not listed

Region

Colorado, United States

Stage

Deployment

Eligibility

Climate tech companies deploying carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems in Colorado. Must demonstrate 'additionality' and ability to cut emissions beyond legal requirements.

Awarded to Vycarb, but indicates an active program (Clean Air Program) with a $25 million budget over six years.

Web Summit Lisbon 2026

By Web Summit

A premier global tech conference bringing together leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to shape the future of the industry, offering extensive networking and content tracks.

• AI/ML
• Fintech

YC Fall 2026 Demo Day

By Y Combinator

The capstone event for YC batch companies to pitch to an invite-only audience of investors and media, crucial for fundraising.

Singapore FinTech Festival 2026

A major global FinTech event with 70,000+ attendees, crucial for FinTech startups and investors in Asia and globally.

• Fintech

Slush 2026

By Slush

The world's most founder-focused startup event, connecting founders with investors and media, known for high investor attendance and networking opportunities.

Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026

By Karnataka government

Asia's largest integrated technology event, with a dedicated startup program, exhibitors, and a focus on fundraising.

• AI/ML

AWS re:Invent 2026

By Amazon Web Services (AWS)

A major developer conference with product launches and technical sessions, setting the AI and cloud roadmap, important for startups building on AWS.

• Cloud Computing
• AI/ML
• SaaS
• Infrastructure