Join ImpactCity at the Upstream Festival 2026

As a partner of Upstream Festival, ImpactCity can bring a selection of startups to the event. You can now apply for a free ticket.

Why take part?

Upstream is the go-to place for early-stage startups to find capital and opportunities. Founders and investors come together to drive growth through funding opportunities, forge strategic partnerships and learn from one another. This year, Upstream is placing a special focus on three sectors: Ports & Maritime, Health & Wellbeing, and Climate & Energy, but innovations from other sectors are also very welcome.

Since its first edition in 2020, Upstream has brought together more than 10,000 startups, scale-ups, investors, buyers and other changemakers. The seventh edition of Upstream will take place in Rotterdam on 21 May 2026.

As a startup selected via ImpactCity, you will receive a free ticket, which gives you access to:

• Matchmaking with investors;
• Opportunities to pitch and exposure;
• Direct contact with corporates and potential launching customers;
• The Upstream programme with inspiring sessions and workshops.

Themes

These three themes form the core of the festival:

• Climate & Energy
• Health & Wellbeing
• Port & Maritime

Application and selection

Places are limited. Therefore, if there are more applications than places available, a selection process will take place based on relevance, potential and alignment with the Upstream Festival programme.