Fast 50 & Rising Star 2026: Deloitte calls Belgian start-ups and scale-ups to apply

Deloitte has launched the 2026 edition of its Technology Fast 50 programme, with a clear objective: identify and accelerate the most promising tech companies in Belgium, from high-growth scale-ups to emerging start-ups.

The programme is built around two complementary tracks. The Fast 50 ranks scale-ups with the strongest revenue growth over the past four years, highlighting companies that have already achieved strong traction and are scaling rapidly.

At the same time, the Rising Star competition focuses on earlier-stage start-ups. Here, founders are invited to pitch their business to a jury, with a strong emphasis on innovation, disruption potential, and scalability.

Eligibility criteria are designed to ensure quality and relevance. Companies must be headquartered in Belgium, operate independently, and generate more than 50% of their revenue through proprietary technology. Fast 50 applicants are expected to exceed €1 million in revenue, while Rising Star candidates must have been founded after January 2022 and already show early traction.

Over the years, the programme has become a strong credibility marker within the ecosystem. Many Rising Star participants have later joined the Fast 50 ranking, illustrating a clear growth pathway and long-term impact.

The 2026 timeline is already underway, with pre-registrations open since November 2025, pre-selections scheduled for September 2026, and the final ceremony taking place on October 22, 2026.

For Belgian start-ups and scale-ups, this is a concrete opportunity to scale faster: gain visibility, connect with investors, and position themselves among Europe’s next tech leaders.

Register here