Entries open for 2026 Trailblazer Fund – £25,000 up for grabs for travel tech start-ups
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Now in its sixth year, the Trailblazer Fund supports innovative young companies with up to 80% off their stand cost and exclusive access to senior travel buyers, investors and global media. Finalists will also compete live for the prestigious Trailblazer Award, pitching their technology solutions on stage in front of industry experts.
The winning start-up will receive a free stand at TravelTech Show 2027, a ticket to Phocuswright Europe 2027, a speaking opportunity on the Trailblazer Stage, and global coverage through PhocusWire and the show’s media partners.
“Trailblazers is all about recognising and accelerating the next generation of innovators driving change across travel technology,” said Ty Albuquerque, Sales Manager at TravelTech Show. “It’s a platform that gives start-ups credibility, access to investors, and exposure to hundreds of senior travel buyers.”
Past winners making an impact
Since launching in 2019, the Trailblazer Fund has supported dozens of early-stage travel tech companies, helping them secure investment, scale internationally and forge valuable partnerships.
In 2025, Acai was crowned Trailblazer Award winner for its AI-powered travel integration platform.
“For us, it's great validation from an expert panel of judges that what we're doing at Acai is really making meaningful change in the travel operation space,” said Ron Glickman, Head of Sales, Acai. “Being able to say that we’ve been put through our paces by investors and industry experts means the world to us.”
Who can apply
The Trailblazer Fund is open to start-ups worldwide that:
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Have been founded within the last 48 months (exceptions may apply)
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Have raised less than £2 million in funding
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Offer a B2B travel technology product or service relevant to OTAs, TMCs, tour operators, airlines, hotels, cruise lines or ground transport providers
Applications close on 10 March 2026.
📍 TravelTech Show 2026 will take place on 24–25 June 2026 at ExCeL London, co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and The Meetings Show.
👉 Apply now for the Trailblazer Fund 2026 and take your start-up to the next level
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