Applications are now open for 2026

Raise  the stakes

The global launchpad for the next wave of AI leaders.
Live on 8 & 9 July 2026 at Le Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France.

2025 partners

Part of the RAISE Summit ecosystem

Applications now open for 2026

Applications for RAISE the STAKES 2026, the world’s largest AI startup competition, are now OPEN.

Over €10M in prizes and real exposure await.
Apply to Compete
1500+
Applicants
TOP 10
Pitch at the event
TOP 3
Pitch on main stage
€10M+
Award Prizes
Competition process

What we’re looking for

We are the premier global launchpad for early-stage AI start-ups. Our mission is to identify the disruptive companies that will redefine the industry
Max €10M total funding
To remain eligible for this program, your startup’s total funding raised to date must not exceed a maximum of €10 million.
Sector agnostic
We accept founders across all industries, provided that AI  is at the core of the product.
Min 2 person team
Companies must be registered legal entity with a team consisting of at least 2 members or 2 dedicated co-founders.
Early-stage startups
Our program is tailored for early-stage ventures, specifically those currently in the Pre-seed, Seed, or Series A.
Apply Now
Competition logistics

Key milestones on the road to Paris

From the first application to the lights going up at Le Carrousel du Louvre, every key step on the road to RAISE 2026 is mapped out below.
Jan 8th
Applications open
June 1st
Applications close
June 10th
Top 100
June 24th
10 Finalist selection
July 8th
10 Finalist pitch
July 9th
Top 3 Pitch on main stage
2025 success story

Our 2025 winners

With an acceptance rate of less than 0.2%, our 2025 cohort represents the top tier of innovation. Out of 1,500+ applicants, these 3 startups earned their place on the main stage.
2026 Tickets
Alexandre Pasquiou
CEO & Co-Founder, Neuralk AI
Ben Luria
CEO & Co-Founder, Hirundo
Vincent Molina
CEO & Co-Founder, pyannoteAI
Top 3 final jury 2025

Evaluated by Tier 1 visionaries

We believe that to build the best, you must be judged by the best. Our jury is composed of global industry leaders and high-caliber founders from the most successful tech cohorts in history.


This is a rare opportunity to showcase your innovation to a panel of top-tier decision-makers who have navigated the journey from foundational infrastructure to global scale, providing an unparalleled trajectory for our finalists.
2026 Tickets
Member of our jury
Julien Bek
Partner, Sequoia Capital
Member of our jury
Serge Lemonde
Startups, Senior Director, Global at Nvidia
Member of our jury
Julien Codorniou
General Partner at 20VC
How to get involved?

Own the EARLY game

Why just watch from the sidelines when you can SPONSOR the action?As a sponsor, you’ll position your brand at the intersection of innovation and opportunity, creating lasting connections with AI’s boldest founders.
Be a jury member
Join our jury to engage with cutting-edge startups, share your expertise, and position your brand as a thought leader while building strong connections with founders and investors.
Offer a prize
Amplify your brand by offering bespoke prizes that engage top startups, expand your reach, and spark valuable collaborations.
Gain deal-flow access
Unlock exclusive access to detailed insights on participating startups and talents, ideal for strategic partnerships and collaborations in the AI ecosystem
Practical details

Frequently asked questions

Application closes 1st of July

Bring your startup to the RAISE stage in Paris

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with clear communication at each step of the process.