IFTM and Orchestra relaunch Start-up Village and Start-up Contest for 2026

Third year backs a stronger start-up community

For the third year in a row, IFTM is renewing its partnership with Orchestra around the Start-up Village and the Start-up Contest. The 2026 edition, scheduled for 15–17 September, again puts the emphasis on community-building among early-stage travel businesses.

The programme dedicated to travel start-ups will return this year in partnership with Orchestra, with the aim of shaping an ecosystem where young companies prepare, meet and grow together. Positioned at the entrance to the show, the Village will benefit from a strategic location designed to maximise visibility and facilitate connections.

In the run-up, a structured preparation track sets the framework: a kickoff webinar; an in‑person afterwork to spark first exchanges; workshops led by alumni sharing lessons learned and good practice; and pitch coaching ahead of the Contest. During the event, start-ups will present their solutions to travel experts, meet leaders from the Travelsoft group and access dedicated matchmaking slots with industry players. The support continues after the show with a collective debrief to consolidate the takeaways.

‘A true accelerator of ties between innovators and decision‑makers’

Beyond rewarding a handful of innovative initiatives, the goal is to strengthen links between innovators and decision‑makers while fostering transmission between generations of entrepreneurs. Organisers stress the importance of this collective vision and of creating a structured platform for visibility.

“In three years, the Orchestra Start‑up Village has become far more than an exhibition area: it is a true accelerator of ties between tourism innovators and decision‑makers,” said Marie Allantaz, who will oversee this year’s IFTM edition. “The first two editions proved it: start‑ups have signed contracts, raised funds and entered new markets. Because innovation in tourism is built together. In 2026, we are taking a further step by making the Village’s alumni the first ambassadors of this community.”

The contest, a cornerstone of the programme, will see start‑ups present to a jury of experts and gain exposure across the ecosystem. The winning start‑up will receive tailored support from Orchestra — adapted to its profile and needs — via financial backing, mentoring, or introductions to investors and key partners.

The 2026 edition runs from 15 to 17 September. Located at the entrance to the show, the Village is positioned as a central hub for meetings and visibility, in tandem with partner incubators that will lead support sessions and share feedback.