ickk.sk sk

Founders Challenge

11.5 Monday
INNOVATION &TECH WEEK
Free registration

The best student startups on one stage

A battle of high-school entrepreneurial spirit like you have never seen before. See what business looks like in the hands of the new generation.

Founders Challenge is a ride where students from across the region turn their ideas into real projects. Months of intensive workshops, University Camp, and hard preparation culminate right now with the grand finale at Innovation and Tech Week.

Come support the teams that made it to the finals and prove that age is just a number. The future is being created right now!

More about Founders Challenge

Day program

Part 1 — Student assignment

14:00 – 16:00 Working on assignments
15:45 – 16:30 Catering break
16:30 – 17:00 Guest arrival for the finals

Part 2 — Main program

17:00 – 17:05 Introduction
17:05 – 17:50 Team presentations (Round 1)
17:50 – 18:00 Stand-up performance
18:00 – 18:40 Team presentations (Round 2)

Part 3 — Closing & Afterparty

18:50 – 19:00 DJ performance
19:00 – 19:05 Presentation results
19:05 – 19:20 DJ performance
19:20 Pil C performance

Why come to cheer on the contestants?

Inspiration

See that starting a business is possible even in high school.

Support

Family, friends, and teachers create the best atmosphere.

Experience

A blend of business presentations with a great show.

Public admission is FREE. Just register
and come support your favourites!

Free registration

What else does Innovation & Tech Week offer?

11.5 Monday

Founders Challenge

The grand finale of high-school startups, where teams can win support of up to €20,000 to complete their project. See the talents of the Košice region in action, already solving world-class problems.

Free registration Day program
12.5 Tuesday

Sweet&Salty AI – Finale

Experience raw startup energy. Get ready for sharp pitching. Startups will face investors and fight for an investment of €10,000.

Free registration Day program
13.5 Wednesday

AI & Quantum Conference

Cross the boundary of theory and enter the era where artificial intelligence meets quantum advantage. AI & Quantum Conference in Košice is a high-signal event designed for leaders and builders who want to move innovations from labs to real-world deployment. World-class experts led by Ismael Faro from IBM are coming to Košice.

Free registration Day program
14.5 Thursday

Slovakia Innovation and Startup Awards 2026

We will celebrate the success of the best among us. The entire week will culminate with the prestigious Slovak Innovation and Startup Awards.

Nominate your favorite Day program
15.5 Friday

OdkukajTo in Aupark

Join us for OdkukajTo event, this time in the heart of Košice. Together we will open the topic of innovation in business and welcome guests from the east who are changing the rules of the game.

Free registration Day program
11.5 Monday

Founders Challenge

The grand finale of high-school startups, where teams can win support of up to €20,000 to complete their project. See the talents of the Košice region in action, already solving world-class problems.

Free registration Day program
12.5 Tuesday

Sweet&Salty AI – Finale

Experience raw startup energy. Get ready for sharp pitching. Startups will face investors and fight for an investment of €10,000.

Free registration Day program
13.5 Wednesday

AI & Quantum Conference

Cross the boundary of theory and enter the era where artificial intelligence meets quantum advantage. AI & Quantum Conference in Košice is a high-signal event designed for leaders and builders who want to move innovations from labs to real-world deployment. World-class experts led by Ismael Faro from IBM are coming to Košice.

Free registration Day program
14.5 Thursday

Slovakia Innovation and Startup Awards 2026

We will celebrate the success of the best among us. The entire week will culminate with the prestigious Slovak Innovation and Startup Awards.

Nominate your favorite Day program
15.5 Friday

OdkukajTo in Aupark

Join us for OdkukajTo event, this time in the heart of Košice. Together we will open the topic of innovation in business and welcome guests from the east who are changing the rules of the game.

Free registration Day program
11.5 Monday

Founders Challenge

The grand finale of high-school startups, where teams can win support of up to €20,000 to complete their project. See the talents of the Košice region in action, already solving world-class problems.

Free registration Day program
12.5 Tuesday

Sweet&Salty AI – Finale

Experience raw startup energy. Get ready for sharp pitching. Startups will face investors and fight for an investment of €10,000.

Free registration Day program
13.5 Wednesday

AI & Quantum Conference

Cross the boundary of theory and enter the era where artificial intelligence meets quantum advantage. AI & Quantum Conference in Košice is a high-signal event designed for leaders and builders who want to move innovations from labs to real-world deployment. World-class experts led by Ismael Faro from IBM are coming to Košice.

Free registration Day program
14.5 Thursday

Slovakia Innovation and Startup Awards 2026

We will celebrate the success of the best among us. The entire week will culminate with the prestigious Slovak Innovation and Startup Awards.

Nominate your favorite Day program
15.5 Friday

OdkukajTo in Aupark

Join us for OdkukajTo event, this time in the heart of Košice. Together we will open the topic of innovation in business and welcome guests from the east who are changing the rules of the game.

Free registration Day program

Partners

Free registration

Fill out the form and secure your spot at Founders Challenge.