What This Post Covers
In this guide, we break down the key local and global events, trade fairs and summits every founder should add to their 2027 calendar. Attending these events can broaden your vision, and getting training or leadership mentorship from Platin Yaka's experienced experts can take your project to the next level.
Table of Contents
- Getting Started: The 2027 Startup Landscape at a Glance
- The Biggest Global Startup Events of 2027
- Slush 2027 (Helsinki, Finland)
- SXSW 2027 (Austin, USA)
- CES 2027 (Las Vegas, USA)
- EMITT 2027 (Istanbul, Turkey)
- Step Dubai 2027 (Dubai, UAE)
- Entrepreneurship Summits in Turkey in 2027
- Entrepreneur Mentorship at Platin Yaka
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Getting Started: The 2027 Startup Landscape at a Glance
2027 is shaping up to be the year tech finally hits maturity. Just like last year, investors will look first at scalability, data security and environmental impact when they size up a startup. That's exactly why 2027 startup events matter so much: they put founders in the same room as investors and open the door to real partnerships.
This year's events are a huge opportunity to show off both your technical know-how and your people skills. Let's dive into the most important startup events of 2027.
The Biggest Global Startup Events of 2027
1. Slush 2027 (Helsinki, Finland)
Held every November, Slush lights up the dark Nordic winter with some of the hottest investment conversations of the year, and it has one of the highest investor densities of any startup event. The 2027 dates and program haven't been announced yet, but we couldn't leave it off our list of 2027 startup events. Built on a "by founders, for founders" philosophy, Slush is especially worth it if you're raising venture capital (VC).
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2. South by Southwest – SXSW 2027 (Austin, USA)
Where the creative industries meet tech, SXSW is a great event for startups that like to push the boundaries of innovation.
SXSW Conferences & Festivals run March 15–21, 2027, blending interactive media with music and film festivals. AI has been a hot topic at SXSW in recent years, and 2027 is no different: one of the first keynote speakers announced is Dr. Timnit Gebru, former co-lead of Google's Ethical AI research team and a strong advocate for technology that serves communities.
If you want to put your startup in front of major US brands and keep up with what's happening in your industry, SXSW 2027 could be the one for you.
3. CES 2027 (Las Vegas, USA)
Organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES takes place January 6–9, 2027 in Las Vegas. The show focuses on AI, content and entertainment, vehicle tech and advanced mobility, and health, with keynotes, a conference program, the CES Innovation Awards and live demo areas.
For founders, the must-visit spot is Eureka Park, where international startups from pre-revenue to Series A show their products. Founders can pitch their vision, metrics and funding needs directly to investors. If CES is on your list of 2027 trade fairs, sign up on the official CES site.
These events bring together thousands of people and companies every year, which makes them a great fit for your 2027 calendar.
Want to look back at last year's lineup? Platin Yaka's post Startup Events You Can't Miss in 2026 covers why these events matter for founders, tips to prepare before you go, and the standout events of 2026.
4. EMITT 2027 (Istanbul, Turkey)
Taking place February 4–6, 2027 at the Istanbul Expo Center (IFM), EMITT is an international tourism fair that brings tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, destinations and international buyers under one roof.
In 2026, the fair welcomed about 19,800 visitors and industry professionals, 552 exhibitors and 300+ hosted tour operators. One-on-one B2B meetings let you reach decision-makers directly, tap into new markets and international buyers, and build new partnerships.
Tourism tech and IT are among the fair's visitor categories. Startups building solutions for booking, travel experience, hotel management or destination marketing can introduce their products to potential customers here.
You can register as a visitor on the EMITT website, and there's also a stand booking page if you want to exhibit. Ticket prices aren't listed on the site, so check the registration page for the latest info.
5. Step Dubai 2027 (Dubai, UAE)
Held February 3–4, 2027 at Dubai Internet City, Step Dubai is a tech and startup festival that brings together founders, investors and tech leaders for two days.
The program includes a main stage with keynotes and founder talks, plus a Startup Showcase where startups present their products. The pitch competition, where founders pitch live to investors, is a great way to get noticed.
If you want a close look at Dubai's fast-growing startup and tech hub, expand into the Middle East or meet early-stage investors, Step Dubai is a stop worth making. Tickets are available on the Step Dubai website.
Entrepreneurship Summits in Turkey in 2027
We're also including the key events and summits happening in Turkey in 2027. Most of them haven't announced their dates yet, but they're a big deal for startups that want to go global.
- Take Off Istanbul: One of the region's largest international startup summits, Take Off brings mentors and investors from around the world together in Istanbul.
- Webrazzi Summit: Keeping a finger on the pulse of Turkey's digital economy, this summit brings every player in the ecosystem together and offers great networking opportunities.
- Big Bang Start-up Challenge: Organized by İTÜ Çekirdek, this is a final-round marathon where the year's best startups take the stage and prizes worth millions of Turkish lira are handed out. It usually takes place in Istanbul in November or December.
- IDEF 2027: The 18th International Defence Industry Fair runs May 3–9, 2027 at the Istanbul Expo Center and covers land, naval, aerospace, security and logistics. The event also features D.O.T. (The Defenders of Tomorrow), an innovation platform that brings together defense startups and university projects. Entry to IDEF is free, but there's no on-site registration: you'll need to fill out the visitor pre-registration form in advance and get a confirmation code.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What startup events are happening in Turkey in 2027?
Key startup events in Turkey in 2027 include Take Off Istanbul, Webrazzi Summit, Big Bang Start-up Challenge and the startup acceleration programs run under TEKNOFEST. Demo days hosted by local technoparks also run throughout the year.
How do I attend startup events?
You can usually join by buying a ticket or submitting a startup application on the event's official website. Many events offer early bird discounts, so tracking the calendar at least six months ahead can save you money.
Are there free events for founders?
Yes. Many events backed by incubators and public institutions (such as KOSGEB and TÜBİTAK) are free for founders. Summits run by university entrepreneurship clubs are usually free to attend, too.
How do you meet investors at startup events?
The best way is to use the event's dedicated networking areas, or message investors through the event app and ask for a quick coffee chat. Asking a question at the end of an investor panel is another great way to get noticed.
How do I apply to startup competitions?
Every competition has its own application form and criteria. Most ask for a pitch deck and a short video about your startup. We recommend subscribing to industry newsletters so you don't miss application deadlines.
