Creative Business Cup 2026 is recruiting applications from Bulgarian entrepreneurs and startups in the creative sector

Bulgarian entrepreneurs and startups in the creative industries can apply to participate in the global finals of Creative Business Cup 2026. The competition will be held on August 26 and 27 in Copenhagen as part of the international event TechBBQ 2026.

Creative Business Cup is a global competition for entrepreneurs and companies whose core business is based on creative competencies, original ideas and innovative business solutions. The initiative brings together participants from over 80 countries and provides opportunities to present their ideas to investors, experts, potential partners and representatives of the international entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The call is aimed at entrepreneurs and companies with innovative products, services or business models that combine creativity, entrepreneurship and technology and have the potential to develop in international markets.

Which companies can apply?

The scope of the Creative Business Cup is broad and not limited to traditional cultural activities. Suitable candidates may be entrepreneurs and startups in areas such as:

• advertising and marketing solutions;
• architecture and design;
• crafts and original products;
• fashion;
• photography, film and video content;
• music and performing arts;
• publishing activities;
• radio and television;
• gastronomy;
• experiential technologies;
• software, electronics and computer games;
• 3D printing;
• toys and entertainment products.

This also allows technology companies to participate when their product is based on their own design, creative concept, original technology, or a new way to solve a specific problem.

Creative Business Cup as part of TechBBQ 2026

This year's world finals will be held as part of TechBBQ 2026, one of the largest European events for startups, technology and innovation.

On August 26-27, TechBBQ will bring together over 10,000 founders, investors, corporate representatives, experts, specialists and organizations working to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems in Copenhagen. The program includes startup presentations, practical sessions, thematic formats and opportunities for individual business meetings.

Bulgarian entrepreneurs and startups selected to participate in the Creative Business Cup 2026 will receive free access to TechBBQ.

Opportunities for participants

Participation in the Creative Business Cup 2026 provides the opportunity to:

• establishing contacts with international investors and potential business partners;
• presenting the company and its solutions to an international audience;
• participation in face-to-face and online training for presentation preparation;
• receiving expert feedback on the business idea and how to present it;
• access to internationalization and business development programs;
• creating contacts with other creative entrepreneurs and business support organizations;
• increasing the international recognition of the product, service or business model;
• exploring opportunities for entering new markets and developing cross-border partnerships.

TechBBQ participants can also use a specialized platform to find suitable contacts and pre-organize individual meetings with investors, mentors, and business representatives according to the sector, stage of development, and needs of the company.

Creative Business Cup also includes educational formats through which participants can improve their business concepts, presentations and approach to international development. The World Finals provide an opportunity to meet with jury members, investors, experts and entrepreneurs from different countries.

Why can participation be beneficial?

For Bulgarian companies, Creative Business Cup 2026 can be an opportunity not only to participate in an international competition, but also to test the market potential of their product or service.

Contacts with other entrepreneurs, investors and organizations can help:

• business model validation;
• finding partners for international development;
• reaching new customers and markets;
• improving performance before investors;
• gaining a better understanding of current trends in creative and technological entrepreneurship.

The format is particularly suitable for companies that already have a developed product, prototype or service and are looking for opportunities for international visibility, partnerships and expansion.

Applications are submitted through the Creative Business Network online platform: