Slovak Startup Pitch Event
Celebrate Slovakia’s top innovators at the Slovak Startup Pitch Event, a dynamic showcase of founders shaping the future of Central European tech. Seven startups will deliver 5-minute pitches to a panel of investors, corporate leaders, and industry experts, followed by rapid-fire Q&A. Join fellow tech enthusiasts, investors, and ecosystem builders to discover the next generation of European startups as they take their first steps into the U.S. market.
It will also be an evening for meaningful networking – a chance to connect with investors, technologists, and business leaders who are driving innovation on both sides of the Atlantic. Beyond the pitches, the event creates space for conversations and new partnerships that can shape the future of Slovakia’s startup ecosystem in the U.S.
Run of show:
6:00pm - Doors open
6:30pm - Opening remarks
Beatrice Szaboova, Consul General of the Slovak Republic in New York
Marek Garbarcik, Economic and Trade Counselor at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in US
Vladimir Lackovic, Special Representative to the US for Trade and Investment, SARIO
6:35pm – Introduction of Košice Innovation Cluster
Peter Breyl, Director General of the Innovation Center of the Košice Region
6:40pm – Introduction by SOSA to the pitching format and the judges
6:45pm – Startup pitches and feedback from the judges
7:45pm - Networking over drinks and refreshments
Take a look at the startups pitching:
Upfan - Ticket marketplace for sports, concerts, and festivals
CherryPeak - Innovation and digital production studio
Nextretreat - Digital platform for team offsite planning
Owasmooth - Industry 4.0 platform for manufacturers
Eatster - Management software for restaurants
Nordics - Vendor intelligence and matching platform for enterprises
Umbra Solutions - GIS and spatial planning tool for urban developers
Space is limited, and this event is intended for investors, business leaders, and technology executives who can provide valuable feedback, guidance, and opportunities to the presenting startups.
This event is organised by the Innovation Center of the Košice Region, SOSA, Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Washington DC, Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency and the Consulate General of the Slovak Republic in New York.
The Innovation Center of the Košice Region (ICKK) is a leading hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration in eastern Slovakia. Founded by the Košice Region, the City of Košice, and local universities, it supports startups and innovators through acceleration programs, mentoring, investor connections, and modern coworking spaces. Its mission is to bridge research, education, and business—helping founders scale their ideas, expand into international markets, and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.