Startups at Metstrade 2026: Expanded programme opens applications

Yachting Ventures (YV) and Metstrade have scaled their partnership for 2026 and expanded the show’s Startup Programme.

Delivered by Yachting Ventures, the Startup Programme at Metstrade will feature two dedicated startup areas exclusively focused on early-stage and innovative marine businesses. The 2026 Startup Programme will offer 24 slots for innovative marine businesses – a significant increase as the partnership with Yachting Ventures enters its fourth year.

Split between the main Metstrade floor (16 companies) and the dedicated Superyacht Startup Area (eight companies), the curated programme is designed to provide early-stage firms with unparalleled access to the international marine supply chain and key industry stakeholders.

Applications for startups to apply to exhibit at Metstrade are now open.

Participation is priced at €1,995 per company. The price point, YV says, is designed to provide an accessible entry point for early-stage businesses looking to gain visibility at one of the industry’s most influential events.

Free DAME Design Awards nominations for startups

All startups participating in the programme will be eligible to enter the prestigious DAME Design Awards free of charge, highlighting Metstrade’s continued commitment to supporting early-stage innovation.

Widely regarded as one of the most respected accolades in the marine industry, a DAME Design Awards represents a significant stamp of credibility. It recognises excellence in design, functionality, and innovation, and provides valuable visibility for emerging companies.

Read all about last year’s DAME Design Award winners.

Metstrade Startup Area

The original Metstrade Startup Area will return for 2026, relocating to Hall 5 to position participating companies within a high-traffic environment focused on equipment and innovation.

Since its launch in 2023, this platform has become a key resource for early-stage companies to showcase new technologies, connect with industry stakeholders, and build commercial traction. Yachting Ventures says it will ensure the showcase offers a strong mix of solutions aligned with current industry demand across equipment, systems, and emerging marine technologies.

Superyacht Startup area returns to Metstrade 2026

Following its successful introduction last year, the Superyacht Startup Area will return with a dedicated presence in Hall 8, forming part of Metstrade’s expanding Superyacht Zone.

This move aligns with wider changes to the show floor, including Hall 7 transitioning into a dedicated superyacht hall and the addition of a new flyover connecting Halls 7 and 8 to increase flow between the spaces.

The Superyacht Startup Area is designed to better connect startups with shipyards, owners’ representatives, and senior decision-makers operating within the superyacht sector. Yachting Ventures will curate the companies exhibiting in this space, with a focus on technologies spanning digitalisation, operations, and sustainability.

A key focus for 2026 will be strengthening the relationship between the startups and The Superyacht Forum. Building on a well-attended 2025 session exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping yacht management, Yachting Ventures will host a new session at the forum, with the topic shaped in collaboration with participating startups.

Startups exhibiting in the Superyacht Startup Area will also be offered access to the Superyacht Forum, with discounted tickets available for the event taking place on the Monday preceding Metstrade.

Pitching event returns to Metstrade

For 2026, Metstrade and Yachting Ventures will also once again host their much-anticipated pitching event, offering innovative companies the opportunity to present their products to an expert and well-respected jury of investors. The event provides a valuable platform for startups and emerging businesses to showcase their ideas, gain visibility, and receive feedback from industry professionals.

Participants will pitch their products live on the show floor, competing for a prize that can help accelerate their growth. The winning company will be rewarded with a place in the Startup Area at the next edition of Metstrade or a discount on their exhibition stand, supporting their continued development within the international marine industry.

Gabriella Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures, says: “Metstrade has become a key moment in the calendar for the startups we work with, and this year’s collaboration is the biggest we’ve delivered to date. With multiple startup areas, deeper integration into the superyacht ecosystem, and the return of our pitch competition, we’re bringing a huge number of companies into the show in a much more structured and impactful way.”

Tessa Meijer, exhibition programme manager, comments: “We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Yachting Ventures, a collaboration that truly amplifies our shared commitment to accessibility and inclusion within the marine industry. Together, we are lowering barriers for emerging talent and creating a platform where diverse, ambitious startups can thrive. By hosting two innovative startups across the Metstrade and Superyacht environments, Metstrade reinforces its mission to open doors, foster meaningful connections, and ensure the next generation of marine entrepreneurs has equal access to global opportunities.”