The Future 5

Pitching competition

Pitching competition for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Five talented and ambitious youngsters driven to become a next-gen top entrepreneur.

Application deadline: 6 February 2026, 23h59

Why you should apply for The Future 5

Take the spotlight

As part of The Future 5, you will get the opportunity to share your inspiring entrepreneurial story and pitch your startup on the stage of Future Entrepreneurship 2026.


Your story will take center stage in a dedicated social media campaign, and we’ll actively pursue opportunities to feature you in prominent news articles. Elevate your entrepreneurial presence – seize this chance to shine!

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Expand your network

Getting the word out and making people aware is super important for every young entrepreneur.

We’ll actively spread the word about you and your startup, helping you build your network and grow your team of advisors. Whether your goal is to gain more customers or achieve anything else that matters to you, we’ve got your back!

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Get mentored

We are strong believers in the selection of The Future 5. That’s why we will bring you in contact with mentors, experienced entrepreneurs and our partners who can help you advance to the next stage of your entrepreneurial story.

Do you need extra help in a specific field? We will help you find the right people to assist you in overcoming this hurdle.

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Timeline

What does the application process look like?

Applications open

30 Oct 2025

Applications are open. You can now apply to be part of The Future 5!

Applications deadline

6 Feb 2026, 23h59

Ensure that your application is submitted no later than February 6th, 23h59.

Final selection

9 February 2026

The selected startups for the #TF5 Pitch Night will be invited for a mentoring session to optimise their pitch.

Practical info session

12 February 2026

The selected startups for the #TF5 Pitch Night will be invited for a mentoring session to optimise their pitch.

Pitch night

23-27 February 2026

Pitch you startup in front of a professional jury during the Pitch Night at the Tomorrowland Headquarters.

Future Entrepreneurship 2026

23 March 2026

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Talking from experience

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Alexandria Bohn
Prodi
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Jorrit Willaert
Jurimesh
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Pedro Vincente
Bloom Biotech

Past winners of The Future 5

Alexandria Bohn
Prodi

Meet Alexandria, the co-founder of PRODI Technologies. Their AI-powered platform turns company updates into short podcasts, making internal communication more engaging, accessible, and human.

Arne Malfait
CUBBY

Meet Arne, the co-founder of Cubby. Their mission is to reinvent lockers with smart, modular solutions that make storage more accessible, convenient, and connected for clubs, cities, and communities.

Filip Wauters
Jay

Meet Filip, the co-founder of Jay. Their AI platform captures and organizes everyday insights, turning scattered knowledge into impactful content at scale.

Jorrit Willaert
Jurimesh

Meet Jorrit, the co-founder of Jurimesh. Their platform automates legal due diligence, turning complex document reviews into faster, smarter insights for businesses across industries.

Pedro Vicente
Bloom Biotech

Meet Pedro, the co-founder of Bloom Biotech. Their goal is to create carbon-negative textiles from microalgae, proving that fashion can be sustainable, innovative, and scalable.

Ben Bauwens
Homely

Meet Ben from Homely. The company aims to helps young professionals buy homes by providing down payment assistance through a social impact investment fund, offering investors equity in properties while reducing homeowners' financial burden.

Chiara Rousseau
KofVIE

Meet Chiara, the co-founder of kofVie. Their aim is to transform coffee grounds from waste into a valuable resource, inspiring sustainable choices and making a positive impact on the environment and society.

Julien Lanssens
Yoshi Foods

Meet Julien from Yoshi Foods. They offer an innovative coating solution for powdered foods that extends shelf life, improves texture and taste, and eliminates the need for traditional packaging, reducing waste and enhancing product quality.

Karts Vereecken
Kiko Food

Meet Karst, the founder of Kiko Foods. With his company he creates healthy, Nutri-score A biscuits from fruit waste, making nutritious snacks convenient, tasty, and fun for kids while promoting sustainable eating habits.

Ulysse Maes
Scribewave

Meet Ulysse, the founder of Scribewave. His aim is to streamlines media processing with accurate multilingual speech-to-text, advanced editing tools, and multimodal conversions, saving time for journalists and content creators.

Elly Van der Heyden
Yui Skin

With sustainability and convenience in mind, Elly came up with the idea of Yui Skin, a powder-based face cleanser that can easily be mixed with water.

Emiel Cockx
Genvision

Meet Emiel, the Co-founder and CEO of Genvision, a cutting-edge company that is revolutionizing the way we measure and visualize carbon capture.

Manush Barvar
BRAUZZ.

Meet Manush, the co-founder of BRAUZZ. BRAUZZ. is committed to providing customers with eco-friendly and easy-to-use cleaning products.

Sophia Huybrechts
3-DEE

Sophia is the founder of 3-DEE, a company that creates customized virtual tours to enhance the customer experience and accelerate the sales process.

Thomas Desaranno
Mindthriven

Meet Thomas, the Co-founder of Mindthriven, a company that is transforming the mental health industry with their innovative platform, Mindy.

frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before applying

Who can apply for #TF5?

We’re looking for young, ambitious founders ready to shake things up. To qualify:

  • At least one founder is 27 or under
  • Your startup is based in Belgium (with a VAT number)
  • You’ve been around for less than 3 years
  • Funding is capped at €500K
  • You’re focused on innovation & scalability

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is on February 6th, 2026, 23h59.

Why should I apply for #TF5?

Because it’s your chance to level up. You’ll get advice from real entrepreneurs, build a strong community around you, and boost your startup’s visibility. Think of it as your fast-track ticket to growth, connections, and opportunities.

How can I submit my application?

Easy — just use the form on our website. Double-check before hitting submit though — once it’s in, it’s final.

Who chooses the final Future 5?

A jury of entrepreneurs, partners, and external experts. They know what it takes to succeed and will spot the startups with the biggest potential.

What does the selection process look like?

Here’s the deal:

  1. Feb 6: Deadline closes.
  2. Screening: We pick the most promising startups.
  3. Pitch Prep Session: Get your story razor-sharp.
  4. Week of Feb 23: Pitch to the jury — this is where the final 5 are chosen.

What language should the pitch be in?

English, for everything — your materials and your pitch.

What support do selected startups receive?

Big visibility, a spot to pitch on the mainstage at FE26, tailored coaching, investor & partner connections, and the kind of exposure that can change your trajectory.

What industries or sectors are eligible?

Any! As long as you’re innovative and scalable, we want to hear from you.

Is there a fee to apply or participate?

Nope. 100% free.

Can I reapply if I was not selected previously?

Absolutely — if you still meet the criteria, go for it again.

Take your shot & apply for The Future 5, 2026

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