4YFN26
Call for speakers

Be the voice of tomorrow

Submission period is now closed

Are you ready to ignite change?

At 4YFN26, we're searching for the boldest minds, the most disruptive innovators and captivating storytellers to take to our stages. If you're a dynamic advocate for tech-driven social change, capable of sparking thought-provoking debates and introducing innovative ideas that will redefine industries, this is your platform.

This is your opportunity to:

  • Impact a global ecosystem - connect with over 100,000 attendees, including leading investors, corporate innovators, government officials and the brightest startups from around the world.
  • Elevate your profile - gain unrivalled visibility and recognition as a thought leader on an international stage, alongside industry titans and rising stars.
  • Shape the narrative - influence the conversations that matter, driving progress and innovation across the global tech landscape.
  • Forge powerful connections - network with fellow visionaries, potential partners, and future collaborators in an environment designed for meaningful interactions.
  • Empower founders - provide the essential support and resources to help founders scale their businesses and achieve their dreams.

Stay alert of your submission updates

What happens now?

Our dedicated conference content team meticulously reviews every submission, valuing a diverse range of companies, backgrounds and perspectives. We are committed to curating a programme that is truly representative of the global startup ecosystem.

4yfn theme ai keynote

This year, the curtains rise on Infinite AI

We're not just discussing AI, we're exploring its monumental impact across every aspect of our lives, from profound societal shifts to exhilarating commercial breakthroughs. We're searching for visionary perspectives that will challenge assumptions, illuminate unseen possibilities and set the course for AI's next evolutionary leap. Because without human intelligence there is no Artificial Intelligence.

Infinite AI theme

At 4YFN the discussion flows in many directions beyond AI

Choose the area that best matches your passion and expertise, and contribute to focused, high-impact discussions. Take a look at the tracks you can contribute to:

Explore all 4YFN26 tracks

Call for speakers FAQs

How do I apply to speak at 4YFN26?

Speaking applications opened on our website on Monday August 11, 2025. You can submit your application at any time until the deadline, 23:00 (CEST), Monday, 13 October 2025. However, we recommend that you submit your application before that to ensure that any issues that may arise are sorted in time. We recommend you prepare your application in an external document and then copy it into our form. That way, if there is an issue with submission, you will not lose your work.

What should I include in my application?

In the submission form, we ask for basic information about the speaker/s, as well as a suggested presentation topic. When the content managers review the submissions, they look for speakers who will fit in with our themes. Similarly, we ask that you select whether you want to present, moderate, or participate in a panel. It is worth noting that whilst we do sometimes take submissions in their entirety and place them in a session, we also often use the submission as a source of inspiration but adapt how it is delivered in terms of topic and format.

If the submitter and speaker are not the same, please ensure you submit the email addresses for both individuals. Only the submitter will be contacted by the GSMA.

If you have speaking examples, please feel free to add links.

How can I make my submission stand out?

We receive thousands of submissions to speak at 4YFN. Therefore, anything that can differentiate you from the crowd will help with your application:

1. Stay relevant to the theme
 We’re programming curated tracks like Gaming, Health Tech, Cybersecurity, Creativity, Climate Tech, and more. Make sure your proposal clearly fits into one of them. If it doesn’t align, it’s less likely to be selected.

2. Tailor your content to our audience
 At 4YFN, we put founders and operators at the center. Investors, corporates, and ecosystem builders are part of the game too. Think about what they’ll find useful, provocative, or inspiring. Not just what you want to say.

3. Talk from experience, not theory
 We value first-hand, hands-on stories over abstract ideas. Share what you’ve lived, built, or learned the hard way. Avoid speculative thinking or content that feels detached from real practice.

4. Avoid the sales pitch trap
 Don’t use the stage to promote your company, product, or fund. You don’t need to talk about your book either. Adding value to the audience is the best branding exercise you can do.

5. Know your key takeaway
 What will attendees walk away with? A mindset shift? A practical lesson? A warning? Make the takeaway clear in your proposal. 

6. Play with the format. Just keep it clear
Whether it’s a solo talk, panel, fireside chat, or live demo, what matters is clarity. Be bold, interactive, but make sure your structure serves the content and the audience.

We value these elements in proposals

  • Diversity – in gender, geography, background, and company stage
  • Interactive formats – live demos, audience participation, open Q&A
  • Founder voices at the center – especially those with real, unfiltered experience
  • Raising awareness – of underrepresented issues, industries, or users
  • Unique angles – that challenge conventional narratives in your field

 

Can I submit multiple applications?

Yes, you can make as many submissions as you like. 

What happens once I submit my application?

You will receive a confirmation email once you have successful completed your submission. 

Once submissions close, the content team will review all the submissions and select the ones they are interested in. 

What happens if I did not receive a confirmation email?

First, check your spam folder as emails can sometimes end up there. 

In the event you can’t see the email in your inbox or spam, please complete the form again and resubmit. This is why it’s very important to prepare your application in an external document first and then copy it into our form. That way, if there is an issue with submission you won’t lose your work. 

If you still don’t receive a confirmation email, please contact the Content Team.

Is there a cost to speak?

There is no cost associated with becoming a conference speaker. Speaking engagements at the 4YFN26 are editorially independent.

When will I find out the outcome of my submission?

Unsuccessful submissions will receive an email in the week commencing 17th November 2025. The email will only be sent to the submitter’s email address. If you don’t receive an email by this date your submission is still under review by the team. 

For submissions still under review after this date, you’ll be contacted by a member of the team in the weeks following with more information about the status of your submission.

Will I be paid to speak at 4YFN?

No, we do not provide payment for speaking at 4YFN. 

Will I receive feedback on my submission?

We value and appreciate every submission, but unfortunately, due to the volume of submissions, we cannot provide individual feedback. 

Questions? We're here to help

For any inquiries regarding speaking opportunities or the application process, please don't hesitate to reach out to the GSMA Conference Content Team.

Contact our Content Team

Before your submit next year

Before you submit, remember to check out our conference theme and tracks, to help you tailor your proposal and align with our content.

  • Why does this session matter now?
  • What value does it add to the 4YFN program?
  • How is it different from the typical discussions on this topic?
  • Would you want to attend this session if you weren’t the speaker?

If you are submitting more than one proposal, please refresh the page before completing the form again.

Stay tuned