Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026

The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) is one of the largest cross-border startup competitions globally, organised by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) in partnership with Monshaat, Saudi Arabia's national entrepreneurship authority. National qualifiers run in over 191 countries, with a total prize pool of $1 million in equity-free cash distributed to 12 winners at the global finals. Indian founders can participate regardless of their venture's stage — from a mere concept to a scaled company. Separate AI sub-tracks exist for startups building in AI infrastructure, smart manufacturing, energy and sustainability, or gaming and immersive tech. Applications open in November 2025 and close on May 31, 2026. Country-level partners conduct national judging, after which the top 250 startups globally enter a virtual bootcamp in July 2026. The top 100 proceed to the finalist round, and 12 winners are announced at the Global Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in September 2026.

• $1M total equity-free cash across 12 winners
• Pre-incorporation founders eligible at Idea stage
• Global finals in Riyadh, Sep 2026
• AI sub-tracks: $50K each across 4 categories
• Apply by May 31; one track per applicant

Open to founders worldwide, including India, at any stage of venture development: Idea (concept/prototype), Early (product with early revenue), or Growth (scaling established company). There is no restriction on legal entity type — pre-incorporation founders may apply in the Idea track. Applicants must select one track per cycle. AI sub-tracks are available for relevant startups, with separate judging and prizes.

Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026 closed on 31 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Total of $1,000,000 in equity-free cash prizes across Idea, Early, and Growth stage tracks.
• Early Stage winners receive $50,000–$200,000.
• Growth Stage winners receive $100,000–$160,000.
• Idea Stage winners receive $20,000–$30,000.
• Four AI sub-track prizes of $50,000 each.
• Winners and finalists receive 1:1 sessions with industry leaders, investor introductions, and soft-landing support for expansion into Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.

Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026 is offered by Global Entrepreneurship Network, a non-profit organisation. It is delivered directly by Global Entrepreneurship Network as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Application – Submit online via the EWC portal, selecting one track (Idea, Early, Growth, or AI sub-track).

National judging – Country-level partners evaluate applications and select qualifiers.

Virtual bootcamp (top 250) – The top 250 startups globally are invited to a virtual bootcamp in July 2026.

Finalist round (top 100) – The top 100 progress from the bootcamp.

Global finals pitch – Finalists pitch at the global finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in September 2026.

Decision – 12 winners are announced at the finals, with prizes distributed as equity-free cash.

Before you apply to Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹9Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.