Commission searches for top tech start-ups

The European Commission is looking for Europe’s best start-ups in this year’s ‘Tech All Stars’ competition.

Winners will have exclusive access to Europe’s most prestigious start-up events and will have the opportunity to pitch to high-profile entrepreneurs including Sir Richard Branson, Chad Hurley and Niklas Zennström. The winner will also become a panellist on the European Commission’s Digital Agenda Assembly.

Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice-President responsible for the Digital Agenda, said: “Part of businesses success is making the right connections and the Commission can help open doors. Finalists will get connected to EU funding sources, successful entrepreneurs, and other influential people.”

The competition is open to EU registered start-ups younger than three years and which have raised less than €1m in external funding. Applications are open until 22 May 2014.

Between 10-11 June, 12 finalists will have the opportunity to become familiar with London’s vibrant start-up scene. They will connect with, learn from, and become inspired by successful entrepreneurs. Finalists will also practice pitching and a selection panel will chose the top three. These three finalists will then pitch their start-up to a world-class audience of tech leaders and investors at the Founders Forum London on 12 June.

Previous ‘Tech All Star’ winners include Irish company Trustev, which offers real time online verification using social fingerprinting technology, and Cognicor, a Spanish company offering an automated complaint resolution service.