Unlock your innovation potential with Podim: the premier CEE startup & tech event

This event is tailored for startups & scaleups, visionary investors, forward-thinking business executives, and all those with an appetite for groundbreaking ideas and networking.

< 12-14 May 2025 in Maribor, Slovenia >

Unlock your innovation potential with Podim: the premier CEE startup & tech event

This event is tailored for startups & scaleups, visionary investors, forward-thinking business executives, and all those with an appetite for groundbreaking ideas and networking.

Welcome to Podim

Your gateway to innovation and growth

Founded in 1980 and situated in Slovenia, Podim has evolved into the leading and most influential startup and tech event in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), where innovation converges with business opportunities, capital infusion, knowledge exchange, and expertise. Year after year, it serves as a showcase of the region’s potential and connects it to a global network of stakeholders eager to collaborate.

Your ultimate 2.5-day experience

Join us in Maribor, Slovenia for an exceptional in-person experience. With a limited attendance of 1,000, including startups, scaleups, investors, and corporations, you can engage in meaningful discussions and connections without getting lost in the crowd.

Podim's year-round impact

Beyond the Podim summit, our events like Bootcamp, Demo Days, Satellite, and networking events connect the ecosystem, offer extra touchpoints for Podim partners and highlight opportunities.

Stand out to connect easily

Our catalogues help startups, scaleups, investors, corporates, and SMEs stand out and find the right business connections with ease through the Podim platform.

Connect, network, grow

At the Podim Deal Room, connect with investors and other business-relevant individuals, get expert mentoring to tackle your entrepreneurial challenges, and forge valuable connections. With 1,300+ 1:1 meetings, we offer months of networking in just two days.

Startups & Scaleups are the heart of Podim’s mission. They progress through the Podim funnel to reach the final stage.

Join Podim's 40-year legacy

With a 40-year legacy, Podim fosters personal growth and sparks disruptive ideas. Join us to connect with innovation leaders, uncover success secrets, and fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

Read Podim’s story

Partnering for innovation with startups

Podim excels in catalyzing corporate-startup collaborations, infusing fresh perspectives and ensuring ongoing success. Dive into our dynamic, productive environment and let Podim supercharge your business with optimism.

A cultural crossroads

Nestled at the crossroads of diverse cultures, Slovenia offers adventure galore. From skiing to sea swimming in an hour, it’s a hotspot for thrill-seekers. You’ll find not only warm and welcoming locals but also indulge in delectable cuisine and savor superb wines.

Bringing innovation to people

“The core values of Podim drive us to take over the future we want to experience.” Matej Rus, Venture Factory & Podim, Slovenia

What we stand for

< Organizers and The Team >

Stronger together in creating a better environment for startups

The owner and main organizer of Podim is the nonprofit institute Tovarna podjemov (Venture Factory) from Maribor. Partnerships have formed the strong foundation of Podim from the very beginning; therefore, we cooperate with different kinds of startup ecosystem stakeholders as co-organizers, partners, and supporters. Traditionally, the Slovene Enterprise Fund and the Slovenian Ministry of Economic Development and Technology are the co-organizers of the conference.

Find out more

Join the Podim mission

We’re confident that being part of Podim will unlock numerous opportunities, foster meaningful interactions, and deliver immense value to our stakeholders. We’re excited to have you on this journey. Come aboard and enjoy the ride!