MeOut Summit 2026: The CEE Event That Could Change Your Startup

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-17

### Why MeOut Summit 2026 Is a Must-Attend for Founders in CEE If you're building a startup in Central and Eastern Europe, you know the ecosystem is buzzing. But where do you go to meet the people who can actually help you scale? Enter MeOut Summit 2026. On November 25-26, Budapest becomes the meeting point for founders, investors, corporate innovators, researchers, policymakers, and ecosystem builders from across CEE and beyond. It's two full days of conversations, practical insights, and networking that could shift your trajectory. ### What to Expect: Stages, Speakers, and Side Events Held at Akvárium Budapest, the summit features 50+ speakers (with more to be announced), two stages, and a mix of keynotes, fireside chats, panel discussions, pitches, and side events. But it's not just about listening—it's about connecting with the people shaping Europe's innovation ecosystem. ### Day Zero: BizHack AI Hackathon Kicking off on November 24 is Day Zero, featuring BizHack AI, a three-day international marketing hackathon. This isn't your typical hackathon—it's focused on helping SMEs turn real business challenges into practical AI-powered solutions. Companies and experts from seven countries come together for hands-on workshops, mentoring, and low-code/no-code tools. Teams develop solutions around real marketing challenges, and the hackathon continues throughout the summit on November 25-26. Want in? You can explore the program and apply. ### Main Stage: Big Ideas and Inspiring Stories The Main Stage brings together leading voices from technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and deep tech. You'll hear inspiring speakers share their experiences and insights on building, scaling, and shaping the future of innovation. One highlight is a panel on women founders in CEE, examining the barriers that limit women's participation in entrepreneurship—like access to funding and structural challenges. You'll also hear from Bruno Santos, founder of Exobiosphere, who took his company from an ambitious idea to a space biotech business in just 18 months. And Andrea Basilova, co-founder of Sensoneo, will share her journey in a keynote titled "Solving the World's Waste Problem: From Startup Idea to Global Scale." Plus, the Global Startup Awards will be hosted as part of the summit, bringing together founders and ecosystem builders from across the region. ### Stage Two: Where the Ecosystem Comes Together Stage Two adds another layer, with dedicated formats, community initiatives, and side events alongside the main conference. Here, you'll find practical discussions on AI, startup funding, and investment. Jan van Schuppen, Drew Calin, and Christian Voss will explore how AI is moving beyond automation to reshape sales—from customer engagement to decision-making and growth. The funding landscape takes center stage with Andrei Dudoiu, Nora Szeles, and Ciprian Man, who will discuss alternative funding options beyond traditional venture capital. Anikó Ivanics will lead "Your First Angel Cheque," an interactive introduction to startup investing built around real investment decisions. It gives you a practical look at how angel investors evaluate opportunities and decide where to invest. ### Pitch Marathon and More The program also features ecosystem-led events like the Pitch Marathon, HunBAN activities, Scaleup Fest, and the BizHack AI Marketing Hackathon finale. The Pitch Marathon gives startups a chance to present their businesses to an audience of founders, investors, and ecosystem professionals. Selected founders pitch their idea and the problem it addresses. With no competition element, the focus stays on visibility, constructive investor feedback, and conversations that continue after the pitch. > "MeOut Summit isn't just another conference—it's where the CEE startup community comes alive." So if you're serious about growing your startup in Central and Eastern Europe, mark your calendar for November 25-26 in Budapest. It could be the best two days you invest in your company this year.