The UNLEASH Startup Award is open for entries!

The UNLEASH Startup Award, sponsored by Playroll, returns to Paris during UNLEASH 2026, taking place at Paris Convention Centre between 20-22 October.

The program recognizes the next generation of companies shaping the Future of Work.

Open to startups from across the HR Tech and Future of Work ecosystem, the competition celebrates innovative companies helping organizations attract, hire, develop, engage, and empower their workforce.

Finalists will pitch live at UNLEASH 2026 in Paris in front of HR leaders, investors, analysts, media, and technology buyers from around the world

What you need to know to enter

Entrance requirements for the UNLEASH Startup Award:

• Be founded within the last 5 years or have raised no more than Series A funding No more than Series A funding.
• Have 50 employees or fewer.
• Complete the application questionnaire.
• Submit a 90 second product demonstration video.
• For startups with more than 50 employees and/or founded more than 5 years ago, please contact the UNLEASH team to discuss eligibility.

Timeline

16 July: We are now open for entries, so start submitting your questionnaires and pitches!

30 July: Our expert judging panel will be revealed.

4 September: Applications close at 11:49 PST. Put the date in your diary to make sure you don’t miss out.

7 October: The five Finalists will be announced!

21 October, 13:00–14:30: The on-site finale at UNLEASH 2026 where the five finalists will each give a four-minute pitch, then face a four-minute Q&A with our industry judges.

The Grand Prize

Entering the UNLEASH Startup Award offers the best and brightest of the HR tech landscape unrivalled access to the top HR analysts, thought leaders and investors.

Past judges include Kathi Enderes, Chris Hoyt, Mike Bollinger, Sadie Bell, Benjamin Visser, and Katarina Berg.

The winner of the UNLEASH Startup Award will receive a €50,000 UNLEASH Sponsorship package. (Details to be discussed with your account manager. Please note this does not cover stand design or build cost).

The best of luck to all entrants and we look forward to seeing you at UNLEASH 2026 in Paris, 20-22 October!

How to apply:

Complete the application form and submit a short video demonstrating your product, value proposition, and market impact. For questions please contact:

Aniko Illes – Head of Startup, Ecosystem aniko@unleash.ai

Kayleigh Provan – Customer Success Executive, kayleigh@unleash.ai