Podim is for people who build, support, or want to understand innovation.
Whether you work in an ecosystem organization, a company, research, or the public sector—this is where startups, technology, and ideas come together.
Podim is for people who build, support, or want to understand innovation.
Whether you work in an ecosystem organization, a company, research, or the public sector—this is where startups, technology, and ideas come together.
It’s easy to connect at Podim. Amidst the growing size of other conferences, Podim retains its human scale, fostering diversity and accessibility.
Itamar Lesuisse
Argent, UK
Multiple nationalities, multiple different sectors, industries, viewpoints on different topics and just generally a great place to meet new people.
Jon Goriup
Anteja Africa, Slovenia
Come to Maribor, it’s beautiful. People are friendly, food is good, great wine. You can’t go wrong coming here even if you want to walk in the beautiful park.
Michael Kerschbaumer
SFG, Austria
I think the value of human-to-human interaction is just very difficult to replace. Even the best online interaction platforms lose a lot of that value. It’s just very different to be person-to-person.
John Harthorne
Two Lanterns Venture Partners, USA
The startup ecosphere in our region is really good quality, there really are enough investors, there are enough corporates, there is a lot of media involved, there are good startups here and I think this is one of the prime hubs to meet all of these people.
Marin Ćurković
AdScanner, Croatia
The event where you can meet investors, corporates, other startups and definitely make a lot of meetings for your potential business.
Mateja Miško
Sileo, Slovenia
It’s really thought-provoking. So many different participants from so many different backgrounds It really starts generating your mindflow.
Blaž Klinar
Vita, življenjska zavarovalnica, Slovenia
Podim is a great opportunity to get a sense of the startups here in the region.
Csaba Kakosy
Day One Capital, Hungary
I’m overwhelmed by the spirit and energy, the number of people interested in innovation and over a thousand people that are into this entrepreneurial culture.
Eran Davidson
Davidson & W Technology Growth, Israel
The highlight for me is just the sheer number of startups and investors. I haven’t seen this kind of concentration of both startups and investors from this region anywhere else.
Kebbie Sebastian
Penser, United Kingdom
Podim is certainly THE startup event to visit in the region!
Jan Habermann
Credo Ventures, Czech Republic
Podim is always changing and evolving; that’s why I keep coming back.
Islam Mušić
dataGRAD, Slovenia
Podim is for people who want to learn, connect, and stay ahead, including:
➔ Incubators, accelerators & tech parks
➔ Startup support organizations
➔ Policymakers & public innovation bodies
➔ Research institutions & technology transfer offices
➔ People working in companies (innovation, R&D, strategy, product)
➔ Mentors, ecosystem builders & community leaders
➔ Researchers and students
➔ Incubators, accelerators & tech parks
➔ Startup support organizations
➔ Policymakers & public innovation bodies
➔ Research institutions & technology transfer offices
➔ People working in companies (innovation, R&D, strategy, product)
➔ Mentors, ecosystem builders & community leaders
➔ Researchers and students
No pitching. No selling. No required meetings.
Just learning, listening, and real conversations.
Practical talks about:
Big ideas, real stories, and global trends shaping the future. Clear talks and discussions across technology, startups, and innovation. Curated to be useful, understandable, and relevant.
Past speakers come from organizations such as Meta, Miro, HubSpot, Outfit7, TMRW, All eyes on screens and many more.
Meet people from startups, companies, investors, research, speakers, and public institutions. Join conversations – or simply listen and observe.
And yes, you’re welcome at the Podim Party.
Join us from 11 to 13 May for a packed schedule of events, including stage programs, the Pitching Competition finals, the Podim Party, and more!
Take a journey with us through the highlights that made this year truly special.
Hit play and let the memories unfold.
Founders. Operators. Builders. Decision-makers. People behind products used by millions – live in Maribor, May 11–13. Not just another conference
Each year, Podim brings together a carefully curated selection of startups that reflect where innovation is heading next. The 2026
Winning the Podim Pitching Competition is not about the trophy. It’s about what happens next. This year, the winner doesn’t
You know the fundraising announcements. The hockey-stick charts. The “we’re thrilled to share” LinkedIn posts. Now forget all of that.
