Fit 4 Start #17: A record number of applications

The call for applications for the 17^th edition of the Fit 4 Start programme has set a new milestone: 556 startups submitted applications before the deadline of 10 July 2026, surpassing the previous record of 496 set in 2025 — a 12% increase year on year.

These results reaffirm the programme’s strong international reach: nearly 75% of applicants are based outside Luxembourg. Notably, close to half have not yet incorporated a legal entity, reflecting Fit 4 Start's appeal to founders at the earliest stages of their journey.

"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.

Digital, health technologies, space and defence

For several years, Fit 4 Start has supported startups across three verticals: digital, health technologies and space. The 17th edition introduces a fourth vertical — defence — reflecting Luxembourg's growing strategic interest in the sector.

The digital vertical attracted the largest share of applications (395), followed by health technologies (86), space (46) and defence (29).

The final selection to be announced in October

Luxinnovation, Luxembourg’s national innovation agency and the organisation responsible for Fit 4 Start, is now launching the selection process. Following a thorough review by a pre-selection committee, shortlisted startups will be invited to pitch to a jury at Luxembourg Venture Days on 14 and 15 October 2026 in Luxembourg City.

The jury will select 24 startups for participation: 10 for digital, 5 for health technologies, 5 for space and 4 for defence. The successful candidates will receive targeted coaching, mentoring and funding for six months starting in January 2027.

131 startups graduated since 2015

Each selected startup will receive €50,000 in equity-free funding from the Ministry of the Economy upon incorporation in Luxembourg. Companies that also secure external investment and hire at least two employees may be eligible for up to an additional €100,000 in state aid, subject to conditions.

"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 launch in 2015, the programme has received over 4,000 applications and supported 131 startups through to graduation — building a growing alumni community of innovative companies across digital, health technologies, space and now defence.