A total of 465 startups from 53 countries across five continents have submitted applications for this year’s Latitude59 startup competition, scheduled for May in Tallinn, Estonia.
Africa accounts for 70 of those applications, more than double last year’s number. Kenya emerges as the continent’s frontrunner, recording 40 applications compared to 16 previously.
“This year, strong teams from five continents and 53 countries competed for the investment. The jury will not have an easy task, but our investors are highly motivated to carefully assess all candidates. The most promising startups will get the chance to shine on the Latitude59 main stage in less than a month, and I am confident that new success stories that will shape the future of technology will begin here,” Latitude59 CEO Liisi Org said.
The competition’s grand prize pool has risen by €100,000, now standing at over €400,000.
Funding contributions include up to €200,000 from the Estonian Business Angels Network EstBAN, up to €100,000 from the Latvian Business Angels Network LatBAN, and additional backing from the Finnish Business Angels Network FiBAN, which represents Nordic investors. Lithuania-based FIRSTPICK VC will also invest up to €100,000.
Org added that further updates on the prize fund and additional awards will be revealed soon.
Latitude59 is set to host its most globally diverse startup competition yet, according to Head of Startup and Investor Relations Krista Meinarde.
“Last year, we had applicants from 48 countries. This year, 53 countries are represented, making the applicant pool more diverse than ever. We have also seen remarkable growth from Africa, with 70 African startups applying this year, which is more than twice as many as last year,” said Meinarde.
Fifteen standout startups will be selected for the semi-finals, where they will receive hands-on mentoring and training before the final winners are announced on 22 May at the Latitude59 main stage.
The 2026 edition of Latitude59 will take place from 20–22 May at Kultuurikatel in Tallinn. Under the theme The Global Village Experiment, the event will explore how innovation strengthens when ecosystems intersect. Organizers aim to gather founders and ecosystem builders from over 70 countries, reinforcing Tallinn’s role as a gateway to the New Nordic
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