Startup Zone at FHS World 2026
Join the FHS World Startup Zone and plug directly into the region’s fastest‑growing hospitality and F&B ecosystem. Whether you want to pitch, network, or showcase your product, there’s a pathway for every founder. Choose the path that fits your growth goals!
Applications for the Startup Den Competition 2026 are now closed.
If you'd like to apply for a startup pass or a startup booth, please reach out to us at hello@thebench.com.
Startup Den Competition in Partnership with UN Tourism
Step onto the main stage of hospitality innovation.
The Startup Den Competition is your chance to pitch live in front of investors, hotel and F&B leaders, and industry decision‑makers at FHS World 2026.
- Pitch your startup to a curated panel of investors and executives
- Get real‑time feedback from regional and global hospitality experts
- Gain visibility across the FHS community, media, and partners
- Compete for potential pilot opportunities, partnerships, and investment interest
Startup Den Eligibility Criteria:
We’re looking for hospitality and F&B innovators ready to pitch. To apply, your startup must meet the following criteria:
- Operate in hospitality/F&B tech (hotel tech, restaurant tech, delivery, cloud kitchens, guest experience, etc.)
- Based in the Middle East or actively targeting MENA expansion
- 2–50 employees
- Annual revenue up to $3M (pre-revenue welcome with live MVP/pilots)
- Raised upto $2M total funding (bootstrapped, pre-seed, seed, early Series A all eligible)
Winner Gets:
- Curated meetings with VCs and Investors
- A complimentary pass to one 2027 FHS event of your choice
- Access to UN Tourism Startup Network
Applications for the Startup Den Competition 2026 are now closed.
If you'd like to apply for a startup pass or a startup booth, please reach out to us at hello@thebench.com.