Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge

Overview

The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge is a prestigious international startup competition dedicated to deep tech innovations. Now in its 11th edition, the challenge aims to identify and support startups developing breakthrough technologies that address critical global issues across various sectors. Participants gain unparalleled access to a global network of top investors, corporate partners, and clients, alongside tailored support and year-round engagement with the investor community. The competition also provides significant global recognition, branding participants as 'Deep Tech Pioneers' and featuring them in reports, events, and international media. Beyond the €100K equity-free cash prize, finalists have the opportunity to meet over 350 leading VCs and CVCs at the Investor Day and share their fundraising news directly with the investor community. This holistic support system is designed to accelerate the growth and impact of promising deep tech ventures. The challenge encompasses a wide array of tracks, including Advanced Computing & Cybersecurity, Aerospace, Climate Tech & Environmental Protection, Digital Health & Medical Devices, Energy, Food & Agriculture, and more, fostering innovation across the spectrum of deep technology.

What to build

Startups should be building deep tech solutions that address global challenges. These solutions can fall under various tracks such as Advanced Computing & Cybersecurity, Aerospace, Automotive, Maritime, Rail Transportation & Operations, Climate Tech & Environmental Protection, Digital Health & Medical Devices, Energy, Food & Agriculture, Industrial AI & Robotics, Industrial Biotech & New Materials, Medical Biotech, Resource Efficiency & Circular Systems, Semiconductors & Advanced Electronics, Sustainable Construction & Infrastructure, and AI Horizons. There is also a dedicated cross-track prize for Emerging Pioneers who are only starting their startup or have raised up to a BA/pre-seed stage.

Prizes

Key dates

• Applications OpenSeptember 15th, 2025
• Challenge Q&A SessionsSeptember - November 2025
• Early Applications CloseOctober 31st, 2025
• Applications CloseJanuary 5th, 2026
• Deep Tech Pioneers SelectedFebruary 2026
• Hello Tomorrow Japan Summit & Japan Challenge FinalsFebruary 5th-6th, 2026
• Finalists AnnouncedApril 2026
• Hello Tomorrow Türkiye Summit & Investor DayMay 14th-16th, 2026
• Investor DayJune 10th, 2026
• Hello Tomorrow Summit (Amsterdam) & Challenge FinalsJune 11th-12th, 2026

Eligibility

The competition is open to deep tech startups. There is an additional dedicated cross-track prize for 'Emerging Pioneers' which is open to startups only starting out or that have raised up to a BA/pre-seed stage. Startups based in Japan can participate in the Japan Challenge, and similarly for Türkiye, though specific details on the Türkiye Challenge are not provided.

How to enter

1. Apply for the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge when applications are open.
2. Consider applying before October 31st for early feedback on your application.
3. If based in Japan, participate in the Japan Challenge, held during the Hello Tomorrow Japan Summit on February 5th-6th, 2026, to compete locally and potentially be fast-tracked as a Global Challenge finalist.

Judging criteria

• Most promising startups will be hand-picked by a jury to join the Deep Tech Pioneers community.
• Applications will be reevaluated for selection as a finalist after becoming a Deep Tech Pioneer.

Sponsors & partners

Resources

• Ask Me Anything session replay
• Hello Tomorrow Summit
• Investor Day
• Deep Tech Pioneers community
• Hello Tomorrow Japan Challenge
• Hello Tomorrow Japan Summit
• Hello Tomorrow Türkiye Summit
• Winners of the Hello Tomorrow Summit Amsterdam 2026
• Previous Finalists: Top 100 Deep Tech Startups to Watch in 2026