electronica Fast Forward – the Start-Up Platform powered by Elektor is an international start-up platform taking place during electronica in Munich, Germany, from November 10–13, 2026.
 

By submitting the application form, the candidate agrees to the following Terms and Conditions.

Participation

Innovators from every corner of the world may apply to this platform. All participants must apply by submitting the official application form.

Please ensure that the information submitted is as comprehensive as possible and allows the judging panel to gain a clear understanding of your start-up, technology, product, and/or services. All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the judging panel.

All existing start-up companies are eligible, provided the company was founded within the last five (5) years prior to the event date and fits within the thematic scope of electronica.

Only complete submissions will be judged. Incomplete, inaccurate, or unreadable entries will not be considered. One start-up may submit only one application. The application must be made online before the official deadline.

The closing date for participation is 1 May 2026.

The electronica Fast Forward event will take place in English. All submitted information, company details, and presentations must be in English. If selected as a participant, the start-up must present its company and technology in English during the live pitch session.

Applications are free of charge.

Selected start-ups are required to pay a participation and communication fee of €2,500 (net). This fee includes participation in the Fast Forward area, a dedicated booth space, and a live pitch slot on the official innovation stage, as well as communication and media exposure through Elektor and its partners.

Travel, accommodation, shipping, and additional exhibition services are not included unless explicitly agreed in writing.

Failure to pay the participation fee within the specified deadline may result in exclusion from the event.

Publishing and Promotion

By submitting the application form, the applicant agrees that the information provided within the application, including but not limited to:

  • First name and last name
  • Company name
  • Business email address
  • Phone number
  • Website URL
  • Year of foundation
  • Short description of the start-up
  • Pitch deck (PDF)
  • Demo video link

may be used by Elektor and electronica Trade Fair for the purpose of evaluating the application and organizing the electronica Fast Forward 2026 platform.

For selected start-ups, the applicant agrees that the following materials may be used publicly for documentation, reporting, and promotional purposes related to electronica Fast Forward 2026:

  • Company name and logo
  • Website URL
  • Short description of the start-up
  • Non-confidential excerpts of the pitch deck
  • Screenshots or excerpts from submitted demo videos
  • Photos and video recordings taken during the event
  • Live or recorded pitch presentations

Such materials may be published by Elektor and its partners in print, online, in social media, newsletters, video platforms, and other digital or physical communication channels worldwide.

The copyright of all submitted materials remains the property of the start-up.

Elektor will not publish confidential financial information, unpublished technical details explicitly marked as confidential, or private contact details unless required for event organization purposes.

Furthermore, the applicant agrees to inform Elektor of significant developments regarding the start-up or its technology for up to 24 months following the event, allowing Elektor to provide follow-up coverage and industry updates.

In the event that video and/or sound recordings are made during the event, including pitches, interviews, panel discussions, or award ceremonies, the applicant agrees that such recordings may be used for reporting, documentation, and promotional purposes for electronica Fast Forward, Elektor, and electronica without financial compensation.

Prizes / Awards

Award categories for electronica Fast Forward 2026 will be announced separately prior to the event.

The winner(s) will be selected by a jury during electronica Fast Forward 2026 at electronica in Munich. The winners will be announced during the electronica Fast Forward Award Ceremony on the last trae fair day, 13th of November on the big stage in Hall B4. 

The jury will evaluate participating start-ups based on:

  • The live pitch presentation
  • The booth presence in the electronica Fast Forward area
  • The demonstrated technology and level of innovation

The jury’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Each winner will receive a €25,000 media marketing package from Elektor for the year 2027.

The marketing package includes:

  • A dedicated partner mailing to Elektor’s & eeNews Europe's engineer audience
  • A dedicated news item on elektormagazine.com /.de /.nl /.fr /.it and eenewseurope.com
  • A feature in Elektor Magazine (in 4 languages, English, German, Dutch & French)
  • A professionally conducted interview about the company and its technology
  • One live webinar hosted and promoted by Elektor
  • Social media coverage across Elektor & eeNews Europe channels

The marketing package is non-cash, non-transferable, and must be used within 2027 in accordance with Elektor’s applicable media specifications and publishing schedule.

Personal Data and Privacy

Elektor International Media B.V. (Elektor) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that the personal data you provide to us is treated as confidential. Elektor acts in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which became effective on 25 May 2018.

Within the scope of the services we collect, store, transfer, or otherwise process personal data. Elektor employees are obliged to respect the confidentiality of your data.

Elektor collects and stores your data within the framework of your participation in electronica Fast Forward - the start-up platform powered by Elektor. To enable assessment of your submission, Elektor will share your data (company name, first name, surname, and email address) with electronica Trade Fair and the members of the jury for electronica Fast Forward - the start-up platform powered by Elektor. Your email address can also be used to provide you with information about the products and services of Elektor, electronica Trade Fair and the sponsors (jury members) of the event.
 
If you do not wish to receive information or offers from Elektor by email or by post, please inform us accordingly by email addressed to service@elektor.com.
 
​I consent to the statement of my data as mentioned on the site (Company name, first name, and surname) in the list of participants.

More information about our privacy policy is available at https://www.elektor.com/privacy-policy
 
I have read this and agree to the electronica Fast Forward terms and conditions.