Applications for the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge, the 12th edition, close on 30 November 2026, and applying is free. The finals take place at the Hello Tomorrow Summit in Amsterdam on 2–3 June 2027, which is why the edition is often searched as "Global Challenge 2027". The official page does not state a closing time or time zone for the deadline (as of October 2026), so it is safest to submit well before the last day.

The programme targets deep tech startups: companies built on a new technology, a scientific discovery or a complex engineering process. Details below come from the organiser's Global Challenge page and FAQ, checked on 30 October 2026. Deadlines can be extended, so confirm on the organiser's page before you submit.

Key dates

  • 23 September 2026: applications opened.
  • 30 November 2026: applications close.
  • End of January to early February 2027: Deep Tech Pioneers are notified (the main page says February 2027).
  • Mid-March 2027: finalists announced, around seven per track, according to the FAQ. The main challenge page lists the finalist announcement for April, so treat the exact month as unconfirmed.
  • 1 June 2027: Investor Day in Amsterdam.
  • 2–3 June 2027: Hello Tomorrow Summit and Grand Finals, Amsterdam.

Who can apply

According to the organiser, a team must meet these conditions:

  • At least two people on the team.
  • An early-stage company or one at the start of scale-up, up to and including Series B.
  • A product based on a new technology, scientific discovery or complex engineering process, with scientific validation, a proof of concept or a prototype, or work under way to produce one.
  • An expected economically viable market application within 15 years.
  • Not a subsidiary or spin-off of an existing company.

Incorporation is not required to apply, but a non-incorporated winner receives no funds until the company is incorporated. The FAQ does not set a specific technology readiness level. If you want to place your own project, see our explainer on technology readiness levels (TRL 1–9).

What counts as deep tech

Deep tech usually means technology rooted in hard science or engineering, such as new materials, semiconductors, biotech or robotics, where years of research sit behind the product. A software tool built on existing components is generally not deep tech, while a company commercialising a lab result usually is. The 13 tracks show the scope:

  • Next-Gen Computing & Cybersecurity
  • Aerospace & New Space
  • Future of Automotive, Maritime & Rail
  • Climate Tech & Resource Efficiency
  • Digital Health & MedTech
  • Novel Energy
  • Agritech & Foodtech
  • Industrial AI & Novel Robotics
  • Industrial Biotech
  • New Materials & Green Chemistry
  • Medical Biotech & Pharma Innovation
  • Semiconductors & Advanced Electronics
  • Spinout Breakthroughs (cross-track)

How selection works

The first step is a short online application, judged on its quality. When applications close, a jury picks promising startups as Deep Tech Pioneers, who then complete the rest of the application form. Pioneers are re-evaluated for finalist places. Finalists submit a one-page summary and a pitch deck for the Grand Finals, where they pitch to an expert jury on the Summit's Pioneers Stage.

What is at stake

  • Finalists pitch for a €200,000 equity investment from DeepBright Ventures.
  • The 13 track winners receive in-kind prizes such as coaching and introductions, according to the FAQ.
  • Deep Tech Pioneers get access to the Summit, to Investor Day (the organiser cites 300+ to 350+ VCs and corporate investors, depending on the page) and to the Hello Tomorrow network. The organiser says 70 Pioneers get the chance to exhibit.
  • The Spinout Breakthroughs Prize is a cross-track award for founders at idea or pre-seed stage. The page gives no amount.

The organiser says applying carries no obligation and that Hello Tomorrow takes no equity or decision power from applicants.

Other routes to compare

Hello Tomorrow is a competition and network, not a grant. For non-dilutive EU funding, read our guide to applying to the EIC Accelerator. More background on the ecosystem is in our Startups and Conferences sections, and the Europe tech conference calendar lists other dated events.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge deadline?

30 November 2026, per the organiser. No cut-off time or time zone is published, so submit early.

Is it free to apply?

Yes. The FAQ describes applying as completely free, with no obligation or commitment.

Do I need a registered company?

Not to apply. Incorporation is not required, but a non-incorporated winner receives no funds until it incorporates, and the team needs at least two people.

Where are the finals?

In Amsterdam, at the Hello Tomorrow Summit on 2–3 June 2027.