Everyone knows that building a startup is one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys in business.
It comes with long hours, constant problem-solving, and plenty of uncertainty. But it also brings the excitement of seeing your product gain traction and knowing your idea is solving a genuine industry problem.
For many founders, launching a product is only the beginning.
Once you’ve built something worth talking about, the next challenge is getting it in front of the investors, operators, partners, media, and marketers who can help accelerate growth.
That’s why SBC Summit 2026 is expanding its support for emerging gaming businesses through a range of dedicated initiatives designed to help startups raise their profile, build valuable connections, and accelerate growth.
From dedicated exhibition space and networking opportunities to conference content and the return of the SBC First Pitch competition, the event has been designed to connect founders with investors, industry leaders, potential partners, and the wider gaming ecosystem.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different opportunities available to startups at SBC Summit 2026 and how your business can get involved.
First Pitch Returns for 2026
Returning for 2026, SBC First Pitch allows five selected startups to pitch their business live on stage at SBC Summit in front of a panel of investors and industry experts.
Competing for a prize package worth more than €80,000, finalists will gain exposure to operators, investors, suppliers, media, and decision-makers from across the global gaming industry.
Just as importantly, they’ll have the chance to showcase their product to the people who can help take their business to the next level.
Applications are now open. Submit yours today for the chance to be one of five finalists selected to pitch their business live on stage in Lisbon.
Last year’s winner AIStats, impressed the judging panel with their AI-powered sports statistics platform, which uses computer vision and machine learning to deliver real-time insights to both consumers and businesses.
The victory capped off a stellar year for the company, which raised a further $1.1 million in pre-seed funding and attracted more than 700,000 users worldwide.
For startups looking to increase their visibility and accelerate growth, AIStats serves as a reminder of the opportunities that can come from getting your business in front of the right audience at the right time.
Here are the prizes that await this year’s winners:
- Are You Watching This?! & MetaBet – One year of API access to sports, gambling, and engagement data, worth €42,000
- Vegas Kings – An exclusive brand or web design package, worth $3,000
- CertiIQ™ – 12 months of platform access to support market intelligence and compliance management across regulated markets, worth €7,400
- Square in the Air – A video promo package, social media audit, competitor analysis, and social strategy guide to help the winner build their profile, worth €5,000
- SBC Media – Six months of advertising on SBC’s media sites, newsletter advertising, and featured editorials promoting the business, worth €11,000
- SBC Events – A 3x3m booth and turnkey standbuild at SBC Summit 2027, plus four complimentary tickets, worth €15,000
- Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC – €4,000 in credit toward gaming-related legal services provided by Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC
Apply for First Pitch 2026 here.
Inside SBC Summit’s Startup Hub
The Startup Hub brings together three dedicated experiences designed to help attendees discover emerging businesses and build connections with potential partners.
Here’s a look at what our Startup Hub entails:
Startup Zone
Our Startup Zone is a dedicated area of the exhibition floor where new companies can demonstrate their products, tell their story, and connect directly with potential partners.
By bringing startup exhibitors together in one dedicated space, the Startup Zone makes it easier for investors, operators, and suppliers to discover innovative businesses looking to take the next step in their growth journey.
For founders, the Startup Zone provides a platform to showcase their products to investors, operators, suppliers, and other decision-makers actively searching for new technologies and partnership opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to secure funding, generate leads, attract new customers, or raise awareness of your business, it’s an opportunity to put your company in front of the people who can help take it to the next level.
You can view the Start Up Zone as part of the floor plan here.
Startup Networking Lounge
At the centre of the Startup Zone is the Startup Networking Lounge (S170 on the floor plan). The lounge gives founders a place to move conversations beyond the exhibition stand, whether that’s discussing investment opportunities, exploring potential partnerships, or introducing their business to prospective customers.
For investors and operators, it’s a direct route to some of the industry’s most promising early-stage companies. For startups, it’s an opportunity to meet the people who can help take their business to the next level.
Product Innovation Showcase
The Product Innovation Showcase is a brand-new stage for SBC Summit 2026, designed to put the industry’s most innovative products and technologies in the spotlight.
The stage gives companies the opportunity to demonstrate their products live, host Q&A sessions, unveil new features, and showcase the solutions they believe will shape the future of gaming.
For startups, however, the biggest opportunity comes on 1 October.
The final day of the Product Innovation Showcase will be dedicated entirely to startups, providing emerging businesses with a platform to present their products, share their vision, and gain exposure in front of operators, investors, media, and industry leaders.
For founders looking to stand out in a competitive market, it’s a rare opportunity to pitch your product at one of gaming’s largest global events.
For startups looking to showcase their product or solution on stage, get in contact with [email protected] to learn more about participation opportunities.
Opportunities for Startups Beyond the Startup Hub
While the Startup Hub serves as the focal point for founders attending SBC Summit, there are plenty of additional opportunities to learn, network, and discover new ideas throughout the event.
- Show Floor Tours – Whether you’re an operator or a supplier, these tours of the show floor will introduce you to both sides. Tours are segmented by topic, meaning if you want to learn about AI, marketing tech, or compliance, there’s a tour for you.
- SBC Connect Meets – SBC Connect offers you the opportunity to browse all registered attendees and exhibitors through our dedicated event app. From here, you can message them and book meetings in the SBC Connect Lounge. These meetings are perfect if you’re trying to solve a problem in your business or seeking new investment. Some tickets contain limited SBC Connect access, please check your ticket type.
- Evening Networking Events – The SBC Summit Opening Party and INFINITY Lisbon provide delegates with the opportunity to build relationships and continue conversations in a more relaxed setting, away from the pace of the exhibition floor. VIP and Netowrking Passes contain INFINITY Party access, other pass types will need to upgrade separately.
- Conference Agenda – Beyond the Product Innovation Showcase, SBC Summit’s six-stage conference agenda gives attendees access to insights from industry leaders on topics including regulation, AI, product development, technological innovation, and key gaming markets from around the world.
Final Thoughts
For startups looking to raise their profile, secure partnerships, attract investment, or showcase innovative products, SBC Summit offers far more than exhibition space.
Through the Startup Zone, Startup Networking Lounge, First Pitch, and Product Innovation Showcase, attendees can connect with operators, affiliates, investors, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the global gaming ecosystem, all within a single event.
Whether you’re launching a new business, entering a new market, or looking to accelerate growth, SBC Summit provides the platform, audience, and opportunities to help you take the next step.
How to Join Us at First Pitch
If you’d like to watch First Pitch live or attend the other sessions taking place on the Product Innovation Showcase stage, you’ll need a pass that includes conference access.
Here’s where you can get one:
Conference Pass (€599) – Access to the show floor and all conference sessions.
Business Pass (€799) – Access to the show floor, all conference sessions, and networking sessions.
VIP Pass (€999) – Full access to the entire summit, evening networking parties, and complimentary food from our Food Festival.
