MonacoTech's 'Test in Monaco' and the 2026 Call for Projects: What Founders and Businesses Need to Know

Monaco's startup incubator is making two significant moves this April: a new matchmaking programme called "Test in Monaco" and the official launch of its 2026 Call for Projects, with applications open until 12 May 2026. Whether you're a founder looking for a foothold in the Principality or a Monaco business wanting to work with innovative technology companies, this is worth your attention.

What is MonacoTech?

MonacoTech is Monaco's only startup incubator and accelerator, founded in November 2017 as a joint initiative between the Prince's Government of Monaco, Monaco Telecom, and entrepreneur Xavier Niel. With over 800 m² of workspace, 60 workstations, and two dedicated laboratories, it operates as a highly selective programme — admission rates sit around 5%, and it receives approximately 500 applications per year from startups across the world.

Since 2017, MonacoTech has supported over 70 startups, currently incubates 26 companies, and has contributed to more than 60 jobs created within the Principality. More than 50 intellectual property filings have emerged from its portfolio. By number of Monaco company investments, it ranks as the top investor in the Principality.

The New "Test in Monaco" Programme

The most notable change in the 2026 cycle is how MonacoTech finds and matches startups to the local economy. "Test in Monaco" flips the traditional incubator model: instead of selecting startups first and hoping they connect with businesses later, MonacoTech now starts by mapping real challenges and needs from Monaco's companies and institutions. It then sources startups — from its large global applicant pool — capable of addressing those specific problems.

The result is a demand-driven trial programme. Selected startups get the chance to test their technology under real-world conditions inside Monaco businesses. For startups, it offers market validation, commercial references, and direct access to one of the world's most concentrated markets. For Monaco businesses, it provides a structured way to pilot emerging technology without the overhead of sourcing or evaluating it independently.

If you run a business in Monaco and want to identify digital or technological challenges worth solving, MonacoTech is actively looking for partners on this side of the equation. Getting in touch with them directly is the best first step. An AI automation use case or a web development challenge could both be relevant starting points.

The 2026 Call for Projects: Three Verticals

The open application window runs from 7 April to 12 May 2026. This year's programme focuses on three strategic verticals:

1. Climate & BlueTech Solutions addressing environmental sustainability and ocean or maritime technology — an obvious fit for Monaco, which has a long-standing commitment to marine conservation and hosts the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

2. Health & SportTech Technology focused on health, medical applications, and sports performance — an area where Monaco's sports infrastructure and healthcare ecosystem create genuine testing opportunities.

3. Applied AI Practical artificial intelligence applications with a clear commercialisation path. This is the broadest vertical and likely to attract the most applicants. Businesses interested in how AI tools could reshape their operations should pay attention to the startups emerging from this cohort.

Applications are submitted online at www.monacotech.mc. Candidates are assessed on three criteria: the relevance of their proposal, the scalability of their business model, and the expertise and commitment of the founding team.

What Startups Get from the Programme

Accepted startups join an 18-month incubation programme. The offer includes:

• Office space at MonacoTech's facility for €300 per month
• Access to workspace, two laboratories, and co-working infrastructure
• A network of mentors, coaches, experts, and business angels
• Administrative support from the Ministry of Finance and Economy and other government departments
• Access to a new Mentors' Guild of senior Monegasque business leaders
• Resident entrepreneurs-in-residence for six-month mentoring stints
• An active alumni network and connection to the Monaco Impact philanthropic network

The incubation is structured around commercialisation, not just concept development. Applicants must already have a functioning prototype and a realistic path to commercial activity within 18 months. Ideas-only applications won't pass selection.

What Monaco Businesses Can Gain

For established Monaco companies, MonacoTech's 2026 cycle is less about applying and more about engaging. The "Test in Monaco" programme is designed to serve your needs, not just the startups'. If your business has an unresolved operational challenge — a customer service bottleneck, a digital process that hasn't kept pace, a compliance question, or an area where AI automation could save time — MonacoTech wants to hear from you.

This kind of structured technology piloting is increasingly how businesses in competitive markets stay ahead without taking on the risk of building internally. It also aligns well with broader digital strategy reviews, where identifying the right technology partners is often the critical bottleneck.

Key Dates and Next Steps

• Application open: 7 April 2026
• Application deadline: 12 May 2026
• Applications: www.monacotech.mc

If you're a founder with a prototype and traction in Climate & BlueTech, Health & SportTech, or Applied AI, the deadline is under five weeks away. Don't wait until early May to start your application.

If you're a Monaco business owner and want to understand how emerging technology companies could solve real problems in your operations, this is a moment to put your hand up and engage with MonacoTech directly.

Getting Your Digital Foundation Right

Whether you're a startup preparing to demo your product in Monaco or an established business evaluating new technology, your digital presence matters. Investors, partners, and potential clients will look you up. A clear, professional website — ideally with AI tools integrated into your workflow — is a baseline requirement, not a nice-to-have.

If you need help shaping your digital presence or digital strategy ahead of a major programme like MonacoTech, we can help. Get in touch.