SUPPORT WITH YOUR
APPLICATION_

General Support

We want the Venture Competition to feel open, welcoming and possible to take part in. If you are thinking about applying and need help understanding the competition, the application process, the questions, or what is expected, you can ask for support before you submit your application. You do not need to have everything perfectly worked out before you begin. The competition is designed to help people explore ideas, develop ventures and take the next step with more confidence.

Ask for Help Before You Submit

This support is for people applying to the Venture Competition. If you need help before you apply, please complete the support form as early as possible. Tell us what you are unsure about, what you need help with, and where you are in your venture journey. We can help explain the process, help you understand the categories, and point you towards the part of the competition that seems most relevant to you. Support may be limited depending on availability, so we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible, before submitting your application.

We want this competition to be accessible, useful, and encouraging for the people it is designed to support.

We want good ideas to have the chance to be seen, even if the application process feels difficult to you.

Complete the support form before you apply and tell us what you need help with.

Support Request

Get guidance from the VC26 team before you submit your entry.

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VC26 FAQ_

Answers to the questions applicants, nominators and partners ask most.

Who is eligible to enter?

VC26 is open to founders, ventures, startups, projects, companies, and organizations from around the world, unless entry is restricted by local law. You must be aged 18 or over, able to apply in English and authorized to submit the venture. Full eligibility details are available here.

Do I need to have a registered company?

No. You can enter if you are building a new idea, project, startup, business, CIC, nonprofit, social enterprise or organization. Some categories may suit registered companies more than others, but you do not need a registered company to begin.

Do I need to have revenue or investment?

No. VC26 is open to different stages. You can apply with a new idea, early project, growing business, investable venture or established company with serious potential.

Can I submit more than one venture?

No. VC26 operates on a one founder, one venture rule.

Each founder may submit one venture only. If you are part of a team, the venture should be submitted once by one authorized founder or representative.

This helps keep the competition fair and focused.

Can I apply to more than one category?

Choose the category that best reflects your venture’s current stage, focus or ambition. If we think your entry fits another category better, the VC26 team may move it during review.

What if I am not sure which category to choose?

You can request category guidance before entering. Tell us what you are building, where you are in the journey and which categories you are considering. The VC26 team will help point you in the right direction.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on September 15th, 2026. Late entries may not be accepted, so we recommend starting early and completing your application before the final deadline.

Do I need a pitch deck?

No. A pitch deck is not required to enter. You may include useful links or supporting materials if you have them, such as a website, product demo, video, case study, customer proof or deck.

Who owns the IP in my application?

You keep ownership of your intellectual property. By entering, you give Datumra permission to review, store and use your application materials for competition administration, judging, publicity and related VC26 activity, as explained in the Terms and Conditions.

Should I include confidential information?

Only include information you are comfortable sharing for competition review. VC26 applications may be reviewed by the Datumra team, judges, advisers, partners or others involved in the competition. Unless separately agreed in writing, entering VC26 does not create a non-disclosure agreement.

How are entries judged?

Entries are reviewed against the relevant category criteria, including potential, evidence, ambition, execution, market understanding, impact, systems, team strength and category fit. Different categories look for different kinds of potential.

Is buying Datumra OS required to enter or win?

No. You do not need to buy Datumra OS or any Datumra product to enter VC26. Purchasing Datumra OS does not guarantee shortlisting, finalist selection, winning, investment, publicity or any other competition outcome.

What do applicants receive?

Applicants can access the VC26 Community, founder resources, operating insights and selected applicant rewards. Completed applicants may also be eligible for gifts, rewards and spot prizes from a collection worth over $5,000.

What do finalists and winners receive?

Finalists may receive live showcase opportunities, finalist recognition, profile building, feedback and community exposure. Winners may receive prizes, partner rewards, venture support, media assets and global recognition from a winner package worth over $15,000.

Are investor introductions guaranteed?

No. VC26 may create investor exposure and selected introductions where there is a relevant fit, but investment, funding, investor meetings or commercial opportunities are not guaranteed.

Can someone nominate me?

Yes. Someone can nominate your venture, but a nomination does not automatically create a completed entry. If you are nominated, you may still need to complete the official VC26 application.

Can I nominate someone else?

Yes. You can nominate a founder, company, project or organization that you believe deserves to be considered for VC26. You should only submit accurate information and make sure you have a reasonable basis for sharing their details.

Can I partner with VC26?

Yes. VC26 is open to selected judging, sponsorship, prize, media, investor, nomination and community partners. You can submit your interest through the Partner With VC26 page.

What happens after applications close?

After applications close, entries are reviewed and the VC26 Shortlist is announced on September 25th, 2026. Selected finalists then move toward the VC26 Finalist Showcase on October 3rd, 2026, followed by the VC26 Awards Event on October 15th, 2026.

Where can I read the full rules?

You can read the full Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Eligibility pages.

Still have questions?

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