Pitch ICE Applications Skyrocket by 200% Following 'Barcelona-Effect' as 2026 Finalists Revealed

Pitch ICE 2026 will provide an opportunity for 12 shortlisted companies to present their concepts to a distinguished group of judges composed of influential people, entrepreneurs, and top-tier investors. The winning proposal will receive €15,000 in AWS credits sponsored by AWS, as well as the coveted Pitch ICE 2026 Trophy.

The shortlist of 12 companies, drawn from 9 different countries, includes: eyeDP (Warren Russell), Whizdom AI (Sudhamshu Addanki), Tugi Tark OÜ (Harpo Lilja), The Casino Factory with Longford International College (Anthony Keller), PROMOFY (Irakli Davarshvili), Research iGaming (Philisiwe Bhengu), Complianceplay AI (Isabelle Zanzer), THNDR (Desiree Dickerson), Master Affiliates Network (Karina Ferraioli), Swiss Shufflers Ltd (Joseph Somma), Fantasy Gambling League, Inc. (Tom Tatun), and Loserball (Jonathan Gruber).

Margaret Dunn, Portfolio Director for ICE, confirmed: 'Pitch ICE has a distinguished track record of highlighting the brightest innovators in video game technology. It offers a unique opportunity and a high-profile platform for startups to present their products, innovations, and solutions, as well as their business models, to an international audience of potential investors, partners, and industry leaders.'

'The importance of Pitch ICE is evident in the volume of applications received, which since our move to Barcelona more than triples the number of applications received when ICE was held in London. Our motto for ICE Barcelona 2026 is "Developing the Power of Play," and Pitch ICE seeks to boost the startup community and support them in their growth process at a crucial time in their development.'

'From innovative gamification tools to next-generation payments, compliance solutions, and immersive gaming experiences, ICE Barcelona is where the future of gaming is revealed, and Pitch ICE is fundamental to pioneering innovation and shaping the future of gaming and betting technology.'

She added: 'We are extremely grateful to our esteemed jury, comprised of Jeff Miller, Managing Partner at JJK Partners, Maxime Sbeghen, Investment Director at FDJ UNITED Ventures, Meir Shachar, Founder & CEO of RUNWAI, and Paris Smith, Advisor and Gaming Industry Expert, who will identify the most exciting and disruptive startup of 2026. Alongside Pitch ICE, we will also host the first ICE Startups Accelerator, an exclusive event for startups and investors to meet and network. 

People can register here: https://www.icegaming.com/ice-startups-accelerator.'

The 12 shortlisted startups will present their products on Tuesday, January 20th, from 11:00 to 12:30, on The Pitch ICE Stage. Following the three-minute presentations, there will be a Q&A session with the jury.

The startups will also be present in the exhibition area, between Halls 4 and 5, in the Pitch ICE area.