The European Commission‘s AI Office, in collaboration with the AI-BOOST project, has opened the call for the first edition of the Apply AI Startup Award, which will recognise Europe’s most innovative AI startups and scaleups with the greatest market impact.

The award is open to companies developing AI solutions in the strategic sectors covered by the Apply AI Strategy:

– healthcare and pharmaceuticals

– mobility, transport and automotive

– robotics

– manufacturing, engineering and construction

– climate and environment

– energy

– agri-food

– defence, security and space

– electronic communications

– cultural, creative and media sectors

– public sector

The deadline for submitting applications is 22 July 2026. Applicant companies must demonstrate strong technological capabilities, proven market traction and significant potential to deliver impact across Europe.

The three winning companies will be announced at the Apply AI Summit, which will be held in Brussels on 17 November 2026, where they will present their solutions to attendees.

More information about the call and the selection process is available here.