The VDS Startup Competition is more than just an international tech contest. It’s a true launchpad for forward-thinking startups—a catalyst that turns ideas into scalable projects and connects talent with opportunity.
In its 2024 edition, held at the iconic City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, the competition once again proved its transformational power. The 20 finalist startups pitched disruptive solutions in front of a global audience of investors, corporations, and media—and many of them are already reaching major milestones in their respective sectors.
Below, we highlight some of the startups that experienced a turning point after taking part in the VDS Startup Competition. Their journeys show how one event can become a springboard toward consolidation, investment, and global visibility.
Early Stage Track
Hydros Power (Spain)
Based in Alicante, this startup has developed a module that enables hydrogen to be used as fuel in logistics. Thanks to its exposure at VDS, it raised €190,000 in funding and positioned itself as a rising solution in sustainable energy.
Nidus Lab (Spain)
With an AI that streamlines the early phases of real estate development, it caught the attention of outlets like Emprendedores, which listed it among the startups to watch in 2024. VDS was key to boosting its visibility within the ecosystem.
IBIOS (Spain)
Approaching cancer wellness from an integrated perspective—nutrition, psychology, and physical activity—its participation in VDS earned it recognition from El Español and reinforced its role in the digital health space.
TrollWall AI (Slovakia)
Its AI-powered solution for moderating toxic online comments has gained global interest. Several international media outlets have highlighted its positive impact on digital discourse.
SeaO2 (Netherlands)
Specializing in large-scale CO₂ removal via the ocean, this startup raised over €2 million after VDS and has since expanded its international reach.
Cardiomo (Netherlands)
Featured in Emprendedores as one of the 8 most disruptive tech startups of 2024, this eHealth solution gained notable exposure through VDS.
HULO.ai (Netherlands)
Winner of the Early Stage category, this startup is working to improve global access to sustainable water. Its mission deeply resonated with VDS’s vision of impact.
Growth Stage Track
BioEsol (France)
After VDS, BioEsol closed a $15 million funding round and launched its energy solution in Mexico, solidifying its presence in the renewables sector.
Make My Day (Israel)
A provider of electric fleet solutions, the company secured a deal with TotalEnergies through connections made at VDS, reinforcing its global expansion.
NAX Solutions (Spain)
A precision agriculture startup that received investment from Seaya Ventures’ Andrómeda fund and won the EmprendeXXI Awards in the Valencian Community.
Smart Point (Spain)
Winner of the Growth Stage category, this company is transforming urban infrastructure with AI-driven solutions that enhance customer experience in physical spaces.
More Than a Competition
All of these startups share one thing in common: their experience at VDS marked a turning point. The international exposure, access to capital, and collaboration opportunities offered by the event are powerful levers for growth.
Moreover, the two winning startups from the latest edition of the VDS Startup Competition were selected from over 800 applications from 65 countries—an achievement that underscores the global reach of the competition. As part of their prize, they’ll receive guaranteed exhibition space at VDS 2025, further expanding their networking and business development opportunities.
VDS 2025
The eighth edition of this international summit is set for October 22–23, 2025. This year, the event draws inspiration from the theme of “Symbiosis,” exploring how collaboration between entrepreneurs, technology, and innovation can drive meaningful global impact.
The VDS Startup Competition 2025 is now open, calling on the most innovative startups from around the world. A new generation of founders will have the chance to showcase their vision in front of more than 12,000 professionals and 800 investors with over €300 billion in assets under management.
This is your opportunity to be part of one of Europe’s most influential tech events. Apply now.
