IJCAI 2026
Join the world’s leading AI minds – and put your innovation on the global stage
Ready to take your AI startup to the next level? This is your chance.
The International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) 2026) is one of the most prestigious and long-standing global conferences in Artificial Intelligence. For decades, IJCAI has been at the forefront of AI research and innovation, serving as a meeting point for the international AI community. It brings together world-class researchers, leading tech companies, policymakers, and ambitious startups to explore the latest breakthroughs and future directions of AI.
The conference features a highly selective scientific program with peer-reviewed research papers, keynote talks from globally recognized experts, and in-depth tutorials covering cutting-edge topics such as machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, and AI ethics. Beyond the academic program, IJCAI offers a vibrant ecosystem of workshops, industry tracks, startup showcases, and demonstration sessions where emerging technologies are brought to life.
What makes IJCAI especially valuable for startups is its unique mix of scientific excellence and real-world application. Dedicated exhibition areas, curated networking formats, and side events create countless opportunities to connect with potential partners, customers, investors, and top-tier talent. Whether you are looking to validate your technology, gain visibility, recruit skilled professionals, or build strategic collaborations—IJCAI provides the ideal international stage.
And now, your startup can be part of it.
We are launching an exclusive startup competition to spotlight 6 outstanding AI-driven companies and connect them with an international audience of experts, partners, talent, and investors.
The IJCAI-ECAI Conference will take place in Bremen, Germany, on 15–21 of August 2026.
Why apply?
Because visibility matters—and IJCAI delivers it.
This competition gives you the opportunity to:
- Present your solution at a globally recognized AI conference
- Connect with leading researchers, industry experts, and investors
- Position your startup internationally
- Attract partners, customers, and future team members
What you get
Winning startups receive a powerful support package:
- Tickets for you and one teammate to IJCAI 2026
- Your own booth in the exclusive Bremen exhibition area
What to submit
Keep it sharp and compelling:
- Your pitch deck (max. 11 slides)
- Including:
o One slide dedicated to your company’s steps in commercializing your research and your way out of the ivory tower of academia
o One slide explaining how AI is part of your business model and/or product
o One slide highlighting the hurdles and obstacles you had to overcome during your journey - Maximum total: 14 slides
- De minimis declaration
- Your company logo as an EPS file (vectorised)
- For your information board at the booth: Short, project-related headline, Bullet points listing the most important offers/services, max. 400 characters including spaces
- Provision of project-specific content for the 43-inch display on your partner module: Aspect ratio 16:9, 1080x1920 pixels, no sound
How we select
We’re looking for startups that stand out:
- Strong fit and motivation for participating in IJCAI
- A solid and scalable business model
- Maturity of your startup
- Your steps into commercialisation and out of academia
How to apply
Send your complete application by 20.05.2026 with subject: Application IJCAI to teamstartup@starthaus-bremen.de
Take your place on the global AI stage
Don’t miss this opportunity to represent Bremen, connect internationally, and accelerate your startup’s growth!
