Future Leaders Entrepreneurship & Innovation Case Competition Spring 2026

From Classroom to Startup: Future Leaders 2026 Inspires the Next Generation of Founders

Future Leaders announces the Spring 2026 edition of the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Case Competition, a 12-week program created for university students who are ready to launch real ventures before finishing their degrees. Taking place in Barcelona from March 9 to May 28, 2026, this immersive experience helps participants develop startups, connect with mentors, and pitch to investors at Torre Glòries.

Across the world, students are no longer waiting until graduation to chase big ideas. Future Leaders gives them the tools, guidance, and network to do it now. Many arrive with a concept and leave with a business model, investor pitch, and team of collaborators from around the globe.

The learning journey combines flexibility and hands-on experience. The first month is online, allowing students to learn key startup fundamentals such as business strategy, innovation, and financing from anywhere. The following two months take place in person in Barcelona, where participants dive into team collaboration, prototyping, and real mentorship in one of Europe’s most creative cities.

Students attend three evening workshops each week led by experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals. Topics include innovation design, startup financing, teamwork, and pitch preparation. Teams design and launch their own startup ideas, gaining practical experience while building international networks. In past editions, students representing more than 12 countries have come together to share ideas and create lasting partnerships.

Close mentorship is at the center of the program. Each team works with professional mentors who share advice, feedback, and insider know-how throughout the 12 weeks. Many alumni have continued running the startups they founded during the competition, proving that this experience can jump-start real-world success.

The competition concludes with the Final Gala and Investor Pitch Event at Torre Glòries. Teams present their startups to an audience of investors and business leaders, competing for a €1,000 investment prize. All participants have the opportunity to pitch their ventures for potential funding. In a previous edition, one student team secured a €45,000 investment from a private investor during the final event.

To make the experience more accessible to international students, optional add-ons such as accommodation, travel planning, and cultural activities are available through our program. These extras allow participants to focus fully on their business ideas while exploring everything Barcelona has to offer.

Applications for Spring 2026 are now open.

For more information, registration, or press inquiries, visit www.future-leaders.es or contact arantxa@future-leaders.es.