Podim 2025 timeline for startups

We have all the important dates & links right here for you to put them in your calendar ASAP. The red ones are especially important! Keep coming back for all the updated information and links. Make it your buddy. 😉
Please note that this information is confidential and intended only for participating startups.

Until you get here

Accommodation & travel information

Let us present to you your personal guide, The Road to Podim 2025, where you’ll find all the important information about this year’s venue, nearby airports, public transportation, a full list of the hotels, and—most importantly—the best coffee places in Maribor.

16 April from 2pm to 5pm (CET)

Pitching Bootcamp led by Francois Mazoudier

We want to help you get ready for your Demo Day pitch as much as we can, and the best way to do it is with the help of Francois Mazoudier himself.  With over 20 years in the tech world, Francois can help you decrypt complex language and take the steps needed to succeed. This session is your launchpad to Demo Day – and from there, to the competition where you can win a growth package worth 20,000 €. Yep, there are awesome prizes, and you can check them out here.

23 April

Launch of the Startup and Scaleup Catalogue

6 May

Online Demo Day

The Podim Pitching Competition will start with pre-qualification rounds of applied startups at the online Demo Day on 6  May. The startups with the best pitches and greatest potential will move on to the semi-finals.  Below, find your slot and the specific Zoom link for each track. Make sure you are in the waiting room 20 minutes before your scheduled start.

12–14 May

Podim 2025

Podim 2025 will take place in person in Maribor, Slovenia. If you decide to be part of the Podim Pitching Competition and you qualify for the semi-finals, attendance at Podim is mandatory, and your pitch can not be done online. Make sure you check out and experience the Podim program on 2 incredible stages with the most amazing speakers.

12 May

Semi-final of the Pitching Competition

On the pre-conference day, in the afternoon of 12 May, the semi-finals will take place in person in Maribor, in front of the experienced jury. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to relax and exchange ideas with your fellow founders over a drink at Founders’ Night.

13 May

Final of the Pitching Competition & Deal Room meetings

The Final Five will give the Final Pitch in front of the live audience and jury. The pitching event with the award ceremony and the announcement of the winner will be the culmination of Podim and will conclude the Pitching Competition. All the startups will also get to experience the full-blown program of the conference on the four stages. You’ll also get a chance to experience a full day of Deal Room 1:1 meetings alongside meaningful mentoring by the best business minds in the region.

13 & 14 May

Marketplace

It’s not just a space for display; it’s a strategic opportunity to engage with potential stakeholders, showcase your product’s real-world applications, and maximize your networking efforts for tangible business outcomes.

*You will be able to access the schedule, the map and additional information here.

14 May

Last day of Podim

A day full of 1:1 meetings and networking in the Podim Deal Room is waiting for you and your team. Make it count! It’s also the last day to experience the colorful Podim program with the most amazing speakers.

16 May

Online Podim Deal Room

1:1 meetings are a great way to connect with your future investors and possible partners, so we decided to make networking possible in person, as well as digitally for the ones who’ll not be able to attend the event live. On 16 May, the Online Podim Deal Room will be open for those who didn’t get a chance to get, secure and upgrade your connections in person.

September 2025

London Springboard for the winner of the Podim Pitching Competition

And last but not least, the winner of the Podim Pitching Competition will fly to London in September to take part in the all-inclusive 3-day Podim London Springboard program.

One last thing—once you book your Podim ticket, I’ll send you some tips and tricks to make your road to Podim as smooth as it can be.