Apply as a startup
THE PROGRAMME / 2026–2027

Your next market.
A new perspective.

GO GLOBAL SOUTH will select up to 10 market-ready startups from Romania and Southeast Europe. The programme connects the cohort with opportunities in Southeast Asia and the Global South.

GO GLOBAL glass identity
BUCHARESTJAKARTA
01 / THE PROGRAMME

Built around
your next step.

Building internationally starts with understanding what comes next. GO GLOBAL SOUTH brings founders, experts and business networks together around a shared ambition: helping technology startups explore opportunities beyond their home market.

02 / WHY SOUTHEAST ASIA?

New connections.
New possibilities.

Entering a new region means meeting new customers, partners and ways of doing business. This edition turns towards Southeast Asia, with a journey linking Bucharest and Jakarta and placing local understanding at the centre of international ambition.

About the partnership ↗
03 / WHAT YOU GAIN

Open the right doors.

01 / WHAT YOU GAIN

High-level
networking.

Meet investors, experienced mentors, fellow founders and potential partners who can help your business enter new markets.

Connections that move you forward
High-level networking.
02 / WHAT YOU GAIN

Valuable
know-how.

Explore new business models, learn from companies that have scaled internationally and work with experts who understand your next market.

The right perspective changes everything
Valuable know-how.
03 / WHAT YOU GAIN

Access
to capital.

Connect with international investors and explore funding opportunities through an established global network.

Put your ambition in the right room
Access to capital.
04 / WHAT YOU GAIN

Greater
visibility.

Build awareness through media exposure, relevant industry events and communication opportunities that put your startup in front of new audiences.

Let the world see what you’re building
Modern skyscrapers in Jakarta, Indonesia
04 / THE PROGRAMME JOURNEYFull timeline ↗

Timeline.

2026–2027 EDITION

From Bucharest to Jakarta.
One journey. New perspectives.

BUCHARESTJAKARTA
  1. 01
    6–8 OCT2026
    Bucharest

    How To Web

    How To Web, Bucharest. The programme is previewed ahead of its official launch.

  2. 02
    15 OCT2026
    Bucharest

    Official launch

    Official launch at IQ Digital Summit.

  3. 03
    OCT–NOV2026
    Bucharest

    Applications & selection

    Applications, screening and selection of the GO GLOBAL SOUTH cohort.

  4. 04
    3–4 DEC2026
    Bali, Indonesia

    New Asia Forum

    GO GLOBAL SOUTH connects with the Southeast Asian ecosystem at New Asia Forum.

  5. 05
    2027BUCHAREST → JAKARTA

    The Journey Continues

    Mentoring and continuation of the programme — to be discussed.

The closing date will be announced here.

GO GLOBAL SOUTH will select up to 10 startups for the 2026-2027 cohort. From the final cohort, 3 startups will be selected by the jury to attend New Asia Forum, taking place on 3-4 December 2026 in Bali, Indonesia.

For the 3 selected startups, travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the programme, giving their founders the opportunity to connect directly with the Southeast Asian business and innovation ecosystem.

THE PROGRAMME / FAQ

Good to know.

What is GO GLOBAL SOUTH?

GO GLOBAL SOUTH is an acceleration programme connecting tech startups in Romania and Southeast Europe with opportunities in Southeast Asia and the Global South.

Who is behind the programme?

The 2026–2027 edition is developed by Upgrade 100 and IMPACTUM Group. IMPACTUM is the lead international partner.

Who should apply?

We’re looking for market-ready technology startups, typically between seed and Series A, with a validated product and business model, a strong founding team and a clear interest in exploring Southeast Asian markets. Early commercial traction is a plus.

Where should my startup be based?

Eligible startups should be based in Romania or Southeast Europe. There is no fixed country list at this stage; eligibility will be assessed based on the startup’s connection to the region and its fit with the programme.

Which sectors are eligible?

GO GLOBAL SOUTH is open to market-ready technology startups across various sectors such as health, education, AI, etc., with products and business models that show potential for international growth.

How many startups will be selected?

The programme will select up to 10 startups for the 2026-2027 cohort.

When can I apply?

Applications, screening and selection take place in October–November 2026. The closing date will be announced here.

What commitment is expected?

Selected startups are expected to actively participate in the programme’s mentoring, market preparation and business development activities. Further participation details will be shared with the selected cohort.

What are the programme fees and travel arrangements?

No equity or success fee is required to participate in GO GLOBAL SOUTH. Any costs related to travel or in-person activities will be communicated separately, depending on the specific programme activity.

How are startups selected?

Applications are reviewed by the programme team, followed by screening conversations with shortlisted founders. The final cohort is selected with the involvement of a jury of experienced operators and investors.

Can all selected startups attend New Asia Forum?

Yes. All selected startups are welcome to attend New Asia Forum in Bali on 3-4 December 2026. For 3 startups selected by the jury, travel and accommodation will be covered by the programme. Other cohort members who choose to attend will need to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

READY FOR
WHAT’S NEXT?

NEXT with transparent plexiglass

Bring your ambition.
Let’s open new worlds.

Apply as a startup