Fit 4 Start#17: A new participation record

The call for applications for the 17^th edition of the Fit 4 Start programme, organised by Luxinnovation, was announced on 11 June by the Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism at the Nexus Luxembourg 2026 event. In addition to the existing three verticals (digital, health technologies, and space), a new vertical—defence—has been introduced.

With a record 556 candidate startups (a 12% increase from the previous record), the Fit 4 Start programme reaffirms its strong international reputation. Currently, nearly 75% of applicants are from outside Luxembourg. It has to be noticed that under half of all candidates do not yet have a legal entity.

The majority of applications were submitted for the "Digital" vertical (395). There were 86 applications for "Health Technologies," 46 for "Space," and 29 for the new "Defence" vertical, justifying its inclusion in the programme.

The final selection to be announced in October

"Once again, we see that the Fit 4 Start programme's appeal is widely recognised internationally. This is a testament to the groundwork and continuous improvements made since its launch in 2015. Whether they are coaches, experts, mentors, jury members, or programme partners, their commitment is the core value of Fit 4 Start," say Barbara Ries and Félix Even, Junior Advisors - Start-Up Relations at Luxinnovation, who coordinate the programme.

Fit 4 Start strengthens Luxembourg's position as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Barbara Ries and Félix Even, Luxinnovation

Following a thorough review by the pre-selection committee, the pre-selected startups will have the chance to pitch their projects at the major Luxembourg Venture Days event on 14 and 15 October 2026 at Luxexpo The Box. The jury will then confirm the selection of 24 startups (10 for digital, 5 for health technologies, 5 for space and 4 for defence), which will receive specialised support for six months starting in January 2027.

131 startups graduated since 2015

Each startup will receive funding of €50,000 from the Ministry of the Economy upon incorporation in Luxembourg. Those companies that also succeed in raising funds and employing at least two employees may receive up to an additional €100,000 in state aid.

"Fit 4 Start strengthens Luxembourg's position as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Each edition brings together ambitious startups from around the world, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and accelerating new solutions in key sectors," say Barbara Ries and Félix Even.

Since its inception in 2015, the Fit 4 Start programme has received over 4,000 applications globally and has supported 131 startups that have successfully graduated from the programme.