On Tuesday 14 July 2026, Luxinnovation reported the latest call for participants in the 17th edition Fit 4 Start programme drew a record 556 applications.
Having set the previous record for startup applications in 2025 with 496 entries, Luxinnovation announced that the latest call, which closed on Friday 10 July, had set a new record by recording an additional 60 applications.
The 17th edition of the Fit 4 Start programme, organised by Luxinnovation, was announced on Thursday 11 June 2026 by Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, at the Nexus Luxembourg 2026 event. In addition to the existing three verticals (digital, health technologies and space), a new vertical - defence - was introduced.
Luxinnovation noted that with the 12% increase in applications, the Fit 4 Start programme reaffirmed its strong international reputation. Currently, nearly 75% of applicants are from outside Luxembourg. However, under half of all candidates do not yet have a legal entity.
According to Luxinnovation, the majority of applications were submitted for the "Digital" vertical (395). There were 86 applications for "Health Technologies," 46 for "Space" and 29 for the new "Defence" vertical. The final selection will be announced in October 2026.
"Once again, we see that the Fit 4 Start programme's appeal is widely recognised internationally. This is a testament to the groundwork and continuous improvements made since its launch in 2015. Whether they are coaches, experts, mentors, jury members or programme partners, their commitment is the core value of Fit 4 Start," said Barbara Ries and Félix Even, Junior Advisors - Start-Up Relations at Luxinnovation.
Following a review by the pre-selection committee, the pre-selected startups will have the chance to pitch their projects at the major Luxembourg Venture Days event on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October 2026 at Luxexpo The Box. The jury will then confirm the selection of 24 startups (ten for digital, five for health technologies, five for space and four for defence), which will receive specialised support for six months starting in January 2027.
131 startups graduated since 2015
Each startup will receive funding of €50,000 from the Ministry of the Economy upon incorporation in Luxembourg. Those companies that also succeed in raising funds and employing at least two employees may receive up to an additional €100,000 in state aid.
"Fit 4 Start strengthens Luxembourg's position as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Each edition brings together ambitious startups from around the world, driving economic growth, creating jobs and accelerating new solutions in key sectors," said Barbara Ries and Félix Even.
Since its inception in 2015, the Fit 4 Start programme has received over 4,000 applications globally and has supported 131 startups that have successfully graduated from the programme.
