Are you looking for top international competitions? Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026 is currently accepting applications. The EWC 2026 is one of the largest global pitch competitions and support programs. It welcomes entrepreneurs from over 200 countries. Each year, thousands compete for cash prizes, mentorship, investor access, and global exposure through national competitions, bootcamps, and a global finals event in Riyadh. This international award is co-hosted byย Monsha’atย and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, with support from more than 100 global partners. It is a unique entrepreneurship competition thatย providesย networking opportunities, resources, and mentorship. The competition aims to support startups atย different stages, from idea development toย scaling into global markets. So, if you have a startup and want to grow your venture, make sure to apply before theย deadlineย and readย tillย the end.ย
Similarly, the Entrepreneurship World Cup is open to startups at all stages, including Idea, Early, Growth, and Artificial Intelligence tracks. It is a paid competition that offers many benefits to participants. The EWC is more than just a pitch competition, it provides investor connections, mentorship, and market entry support into Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. Participants will compete for a total of $1 million in equity-free cash prizes across multiple categories. One of the best things about this international competition is that there is no application fee; applicants can enter for free. Hence, you would not want to miss this global opportunity.ย
Moreover, since its launch in 2019, the Entrepreneurship World Cup has attracted 400,000 registrations from 200 countries, granting founders millions in funding and access to global investor networks. The EWC 2026 offers startups a structured growth journey starting from applications, followed by selection, virtual bootcamp training for the top 250 startups, then the top 100 advancing to the Global Finals in Riyadh. Beyond funding, all finalists receive elite mentorship and investor networking to scale their ventures globally.ย
More Details about Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026:ย
Eligibility Criteria :
If you are an entrepreneur with a startup, you must apply for the Entrepreneurship World Cup. However, before you do, make sure to go through the eligibility criteria and requirements of this international competition below.ย
Eligibility Criteria for Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026:ย
- First, the EWC is open to startups at all stages: Idea, Early, Growth, and AI-focused ventures.ย
- Startups from any country are eligible toย participate.ย
- Moreover, applicants must be individuals or legally registered entities in their country of residence.ย
- Founders or representatives must be at least 18 years old.ย
- Furthermore, applicants must not be subject to international sanctions.ย
- Idea stage startups must show concept validation and a path to prototyping.ย
- Early stageย startups must have a working product or early users and usually under $1M revenue.ย
- Growth stage startups must have traction,ย operateย in at least one market, or exceed $1M revenueย or funding.ย
- In addition, only one submission per startup is allowed. Duplicate entries will be disqualified.ย
- All applications must beย submittedย in English.ย
- Finalists must attend the Global Finals in Riyadh if selected.ย
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Benefits :
Do you meet the eligibility criteria above? If yes, you would not want to miss this global competition. Keep reading toย knowย more about the benefits and opportunities offered by the Entrepreneurship World Cup.ย
Benefits of the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026:ย
- First, the international competition offers a total of $1 million in equity-free cash prizes.ย
- It provides mentorship and 1:1ย sessionsย with industry leaders.ย
- Moreover, startups gain investor access to VCs and corporate partners.ย
- It supports market entry into Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.ย
- The top 100 finalists receive elite mentorship and global networking opportunities.ย
- Furthermore, there is no entry fee; applicants can apply free of cost.ย
- Finally, the EWC 2026 offers a global stage in Riyadh for final pitch presentations.ย
Global Finals Cash Prizes (Early Stage):ย
Global Finals Cash Prizes (Growth Stage):ย
Global Finals Cash Prizes (Idea Stage):ย