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The Recursive CEE Forum Returns to ViennaUP 2026

The Recursive CEE Forum Returns to ViennaUP 2026, TheRecursive.com
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The Recursive CEE Forum returns to ViennaUP 2026 on 20 May, continuing its mission for a second year: turning connections into outcomes and strengthening Central and Eastern Europe’s role in shaping Europe’s tech future.

Last year’s edition highlighted the growing momentum across the CEE region, as cross-border conversations translated into early collaborations, new partnerships, and closer links between ecosystems. Building on last year’s edition, which brought together 450 founders, investors, ecosystem builders, and policymakers, the 2026 forum will place a stronger emphasis on outcomes.

“Central and Eastern Europe is increasingly moving beyond its traditional perception as Europe’s periphery. With a strong base of technical talent, and a growing number of globally competitive startups, the region is strengthening its role within the broader European ecosystem. We believe The Recursive CEE Forum would further enhance that contribution,” says Teodor Antonio Georgiev, CEO of The Recursive.

With a focus on results

Participants can expect more interactive formats designed to encourage active engagement, data-driven insights into the CEE region’s innovation performance and growth trajectory, and curated matchmaking opportunities that connect founders and investors with clear intent.

A key theme of this year’s forum is deepening collaboration between the CEE and DACH ecosystems. This year’s core pillars center on:

  • Trending sectors like Energy, Robotics, Fintech, Healthtech and Defense;
  • Content focused on enabling ecosystem growth (tech transfer, market expansion, navigating regulation, and facilitating partnerships);
  • Expect fireside chats and panels featuring regional founders, investors, experts from relevant institutions and corporations, as well as other ecosystem builders;
  • A dedicated case study /masterclass room for more in-depth dives and knowledge transfer;
  • Last but not least, the curated pitch session aimed for matchmaking, not competition.

The agenda will cover questions shaping Europe’s innovation landscape, including market expansion in a fragmented but opportunity-rich region, capital efficiency in a more disciplined funding environment, and founder resilience in times of uncertainty.

Join the conversations shaping the future of CEE.

 

Read more:  ffVC Launches €60M Fund to Propel Central European Startups into Japan

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