Next20 startup program

The Next20 is TM Forum's startup program connecting startups with CSPs and technology suppliers to strengthen the ecosystem and inspire the next wave of innovation and growth. This program ignites conversations and builds partnerships that enable the startups to scale and the corporations to empower their innovation cycles.

Participating startups gain the opportunity to immerse themselves in and shape the telecommunications industry through a dedicated program. They receive valuable mentoring, exhibit their innovations, and compete in an exclusive pitching competition at TM Forum’s DTW Ignite event series.

The current edition focuses on addressing the following challenges:

AI Revolution Challenge: How can startups lead the AI revolution in the telecommunications sector with innovative AI-based tech solutions? We seek pioneering startups developing cutting-edge AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, poised to transform the industry.

Efficiency Challenge: How can your solutions enhance efficiency within the telecommunications sector? We seek startups dedicated to driving operational excellence and fostering advancements that make the telecommunications industry more streamlined, effective, and resource-efficient.

Growth Challenge: How can innovation ignite solutions to shape the telecommunications sector of the future and propel every TelCo into a true TechCo? We are on the lookout for startups unlocking new growth opportunities for the industry and pushing the boundaries of telco companies to impact enterprises, governments, and society.

Questions? Reach out to Hugues Bardin at [email protected].

Eligibility Criteria:

Startups founded from 2019 onwards
With a dedicated and visionary team
With a prototype, product, or solution already developed and, if possible, in action.
With existing customers or users, indicating market interest and validation.
With the ability to present the prototype or product
Alignment with one or more of the challenges defined

Selected Startups receive:

Exhibition opportunity

Showcase your company to thousands of attendees in the Next20 village—a dedicated exhibition area for lead generation and deal initiation with leaders in the telco industry.

Pitching competition

Seize the opportunity to be crowned as the Next20 winner, presenting on a global stage in front of a jury comprising investors and corporate innovation representatives

Mentoring sessions

Engage in our dedicated mentoring sessions, receiving invaluable advice and guidance from our extensive network of innovators, investors, and experts.

Exposure

Be featured on DTW Ignite communication channels and gain access to exclusive networking events, connecting with C-level leaders and innovation managers.

Next20 competition winners will receive:

One-year membership to TM Forum
(1) social media post to TM Forum's LinkedIn audience of 54,000+ announcing your company as the challenge winner
Featured in post-event wrap-up video, article, and press release
Onsite video demo and interview which will be posted on TM Forum's Inform channel
Opportunity to participate in a TM Forum Catalyst project
(1) VIP pass to DTW Ignite 2025
Complimentary exhibition opportunity at DTW Ignite 2025
Speaking opportunity during the Next20 program at DTW Ignite 2025

"We've participated in Next20 at DTW 2022 and we had an awesome experience. Next20 accelerated our learning about the CSP space where we were able to quickly validate our thoughts and vision on how we could potentially work together. I was also amazed at how well organized all the players work together as part of the TM Forum. It felt like discovering a whole new world full of exciting new opportunities.