Compute Challengers: The Leading Startup Competition Driving Compute Innovation
Applications close on January 12, 2026.
Apply now
200+
Applicants
50+
Jury members
7
Tracks
1
Winner per track
About Compute Summit Challengers 2026
Compute Challengers is a global startup competition spotlighting early-stage companies driving innovation across the compute industry.
Finalists are selected across seven frontier tracks – including energy infrastructure, cooling systems, green compute, and more. Each track features 10 standout startups chosen by an expert jury. Finalists receive free access to Compute Summit 2026 in Barcelona, where they pitch live on stage to investors, partners, and media.
Organized by Futurae Media, a leader in producing high-impact startup battles and pitch competitions at major tech events, Compute Challengers follows a proven format that drives visibility, strategic connections, and real momentum for ambitious founders.
APPLY NOW
Startup Tracks at Compute Challengers
Explore the seven innovation tracks featured in the Compute Challengers startup competition, each designed to spotlight breakthrough technologies in the compute industry. Below, discover where your startup fits—and how your solution could lead the next wave of industry transformation.
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
Powering the compute revolution starts here. This track is for startups building resilient, flexible, and accessible energy systems that can meet the demands of high-performance computing. If your solution strengthens the foundation of tomorrow’s compute, this is your stage.
Relevant Solutions:
-
Energy Storage
-
Behind-the Meter Optimisation
-
Microgrids
-
Novel Baseload Technologies
-
Flexibility & Demand Response
-
PPAs & 24/7 Energy Procurement
COMPUTE OPTIMISATION
Think smarter, not just bigger. This track is for software-driven startups that maximize performance and efficiency across compute systems. If you’re reducing waste and unlocking more value from existing infrastructure, we want to see it.
Relevant Solutions:
-
Workload Orchestration & Scheduling
-
Network Efficiency
-
Memory & Storage Efficiency
-
Model Serving Optimization
NEXT-GEN HARDWARE
Breakthroughs in compute hardware take center stage here. This track highlights startups pushing the limits of performance and scalability—excluding cooling systems. If you’re reshaping the building blocks of compute, this is your arena.
Relevant Solutions:
-
CPUs / GPUs
-
Optical & Photonic Systems
-
Quantum Computing
-
Advanced Storage
-
Disaggregated Memory Architectures
COOLING & THERMAL SYSTEMS
As compute density rises, so does the heat. This track is for startups tackling thermal challenges with bold, efficient cooling solutions. If you’re innovating in thermal design to support future workloads, we want to hear from you.
Relevant Solutions:
-
HVAC Systems
-
Liquid Cooling
-
Immersion Cooling
-
At-the-Chip-Level Cooling
DATA CENTER INFRASTRUCTURE
This track is for startups rethinking how data centers are planned, built, and operated. Whether you’re retrofitting legacy systems or designing disruptive new models, if you’re reshaping the backbone of compute, this is your space.
Relevant Solutions:
-
Planning & Design
-
Prefabricated Data Centers & Retrofits
-
BMS / DCIM Platforms
-
Digital Twin Technology
-
Challenger Data Centers (Modular, Edge, Constellation, Neo-clouds)
-
Cybersecurity & Compliance
-
Operations & Maintenance
GREEN COMPUTE
Sustainability is the mission. This track is for startups making compute more climate-aligned, resilient, and resource-efficient. If you’re helping reduce emissions or improve environmental performance, this is your home.
Relevant Solutions:
-
Resource Efficiency
-
Climate Risk Mitigation
-
Water Management
-
24/7 Carbon Accounting & Procurement
-
Sustainable Infrastructure Planning
Not sure where you fit?
That’s exactly what this track is for. Compute X is the space for unconventional ideas and experimental technologies that could redefine the future of compute.
COMPUTE X (WILD CARD)
Experimental approaches, or something no one’s imagined yet; if your innovation doesn’t fit neatly elsewhere but could redefine the future, this is the place to share it.
Relevant Solutions:
-
Neuromorphic Systems
-
Quantum-Inspired Algorithms
-
Swarm Intelligence
-
Unconventional Materials for Computation
-
Biocompute
-
Other Unexplored Paradigms
Eligibility Criteria for Compute Challengers Applicants
To ensure alignment with the goals of the Compute Challengers program, all applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements. The competition is open to startups globally, with no geographical restrictions. These criteria are designed to identify companies at the right stage of development and with the potential to drive meaningful innovation in the compute industry.
Eligibility Requirements:
-
Stage of Growth: From Pre-Seed to Series B
-
Industry Focus: Must be a technology company innovating in compute – such as AI, quantum, cloud, edge, or high-performance computing
-
Product Readiness: Should have an MVP at least or ideally market ready product; idea companies are not eligible
-
Traction: Ideally should have revenue or demonstrable early traction
-
Ownership Structure: Must be privately held, often with venture-backed or bootstrapped funding
-
Independence: Cannot be a spin-off or subsidiary of a large conglomerate
-
Participation Commitment: Finalists must attend Compute Summit 2026 in person and pitch live at the Compute Challengers Finals, represented by a founder or C-level executive.
Key dates for Compute Challengers 2026
From application to live pitch battle. Stay aligned with each milestone as your startup progresses through the competition.
January 12, 2026
APPLICATIONS CLOSE
All submissions must be received by this date to be considered.
January 28, 2026
FINALLISTS ANNOUNCED
Selected startups are notified and publicly revealed.
March 10-11, 2026
LIVE PITCH BATTLE AT COMPUTE SUMMIT 2026
Finalists present on stage in Barcelona during the summit’s main event.
ORGANISER
Brought to you by Futurae Media
Compute Summit 2026 is brought to you by Futurae Media, a global event organiser fostering innovation across multiple industries like Energy and Mobility, Food and Agriculture, Digital Healthcare and Urban Tech.
More programs for startups
NEED CLARIFICATION?
Contact Us
Use the form to share any questions, comments, or additional context with the Compute Challengers team.
Whether you’re unsure about eligibility, curious about the tracks, or want to flag something unique about your startup—we’re here to help.
© 2025 Futurae Media
ORGANISER
Futurae events, UAB
Company code: 306048802
Subaciaus str. 17-2, LT-01300
Vilnius, Lithuania
info@energytechsummit.com
+370 62217260
HOSTED BY
WE ACCEPT
ORGANISER
Futurae events, UAB
Company code: 306048802
Subaciaus str. 17-2, LT-01300
Vilnius, Lithuania
info@energytechsummit.com
+370 62217260
HOSTED BY
WE ACCEPT
© 2025 Futurae Media
