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Scaleway
Scaleway
Become the next big European alternative
Become the next big European alternative
Why this Challenge?

Europe needs its own tech champions. Today's leading startups are building European alternatives to US giant, in cloud, AI, productivity, payments, and beyond. But becoming a trusted European player means more than marketing; it means infrastructure that reflects your values.
Scaleway, Europe's sovereign cloud and AI provider, partners with VivaTech to find startups ready to become the next big European alternatives.

Apply now

Our Startup Challenge
The Next European Alternative

European enterprises increasingly seek alternatives to US tech. Whether it's cloud infrastructure, AI tools, SaaS platforms, or data services, buyers want options that align with European values: data sovereignty, transparency, and independence.
Startups positioning as European alternatives have a unique opportunity. But credibility matters: building on US-owned infrastructure undermines the message. We seek startups ready to strengthen their European positioning with sovereign cloud—infrastructure that's 100% European.

B2B startups (under 50 employees) positioning as European alternatives:

  • Product in production with paying customers

  • Clear value proposition as a European alternative to US incumbents

  • Cloud-native architecture ready for scaling

  • Current cloud spend at least 1,000€/month with growth trajectory

  • Ambition to become a category leader in Europe

We're sector agnostic. Whether you're building the European Datadog, the European Notion, or something entirely new; if sovereign infrastructure strengthens your positioning, we want to meet you.

Apply Now

The Next European Alternative

European enterprises increasingly seek alternatives to US tech. Whether it's cloud infrastructure, AI tools, SaaS platforms, or data services, buyers want options that align with European values: data sovereignty, transparency, and independence.
Startups positioning as European alternatives have a unique opportunity. But credibility matters: building on US-owned infrastructure undermines the message. We seek startups ready to strengthen their European positioning with sovereign cloud—infrastructure that's 100% European.

B2B startups (under 50 employees) positioning as European alternatives:

  • Product in production with paying customers

  • Clear value proposition as a European alternative to US incumbents

  • Cloud-native architecture ready for scaling

  • Current cloud spend at least 1,000€/month with growth trajectory

  • Ambition to become a category leader in Europe

We're sector agnostic. Whether you're building the European Datadog, the European Notion, or something entirely new; if sovereign infrastructure strengthens your positioning, we want to meet you.

Apply Now

Selection Criteria
European Positioning

Clear value proposition as a European alternative with differentiation from US incumbents.

Market Traction

Product in production with paying customers and demonstrated market demand.

Sovereignty Fit

European infrastructure would strengthen market positioning and customer trust.


Scalability Potential

Clear growth trajectory with infrastructure needs projected to increase within 12 months.

Team & Vision

Founding team with ambition to build a European category leader.

Rewards
  • Full presence at VivaTech 2026

    The winner receives a 4-day pass and a dedicated booth on the VivaTech floor, the right setting to meet investors, connect with press, and present your startup to the people shaping Europe's tech landscape.

  • Up to 250k€ in cloud credits

    Your data stays in Europe, governed by European law, with no exposure to US jurisdiction. Credits are designed to be used, not accumulated, so you can focus on building.

  • Booth & two tickets to ai-PULSE

    ai-PULSE is Scaleway's annual AI event, bringing together builders, researchers, and investors working on the next generation of European AI. The winner gets a booth and two tickets to participate, present, and connect with that community.

  • One year of business support

    Dedicated sales coaching from experts in the sector the startup is targeting. Where relevant, Scaleway can also facilitate introductions to groups and enterprises within its client ecosystem, opening doors that would otherwise take years to reach.

  • Technical support

    The winner receives Business Support (fast response + dedicated experts), assisted migration from AWS/GCP including an architecture review by our engineers, and access to the Scaleway Foundations certification program.

Play an active role in our six business sectors

Your solution, product or service demonstrates that you can play an active role in LVMH's ecosystem and deliver on a large scale. Whether it be the creation process, the omnichannel customer journey, or operation and manufacturing, you support the Group's legacy of excellence and innovation in all areas of its 6 business sectors.

  • Fashion & Leather Goods

  • Wines & Spirits

  • Perfumes & Cosmetics

  • Watches & Jewelry

  • Other Activities

  • Selective Retailing

Timeline

00:00:00:00

left to apply

left to apply

  • 27/02/2026

    Applications open

  • 27/02/2026

    Applications close

  • 27/02/2026

    The winners are announced

  • 27/02/2026

    -

    20/06/2026

    10th edition of VivaTech

Apply Now

Apply now

FAQ

Who can apply?

Can I apply for more than one Startup Challenge/Award?

What is the difference between a Startup Challenge and an Award?

Is applying for an Award or Startup Challenge free?

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