About the Competition
The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) is one of the largest cross-border startup competitions in the world, organised by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) in partnership with Monshaat, Saudi Arabia's national entrepreneurship authority. It runs national qualifiers across 191+ countries and awards a total of $1 million in equity-free cash prizes to 12 winners at the global finals.
Who Should Apply
Open to founders at any stage — whether you have an idea and a prototype, a product with early traction, or a growth-stage company scaling operations. Indian teams can enter on equal footing with any other country. Dedicated AI sub-tracks are available for startups building in AI infrastructure, smart manufacturing, energy and sustainability, or gaming and immersive tech.
Tracks
Applicants choose one of four tracks based on stage: Idea (concept/prototype), Early (product in market with early revenue), Growth (scaling established company), or an AI sub-track. AI sub-tracks have their own cash pool on top of the main track prizes.
Format & Timeline
Applications open in November 2025 and close in May 2026. Country-level partners run national judging. The top 250 startups globally are invited to a virtual bootcamp in July 2026. The top 100 progress to the finalist round, and the 12 winners are announced at the Global Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in September 2026.
Prizes
Total prize pool of $1,000,000, distributed entirely as equity-free cash. Indicative per-track ranges: Early Stage $50,000–$200,000, Growth Stage $100,000–$160,000, Idea Stage $20,000–$30,000, and four AI sub-track prizes of $50,000 each. Winners and finalists also receive 1:1 sessions with industry leaders, investor introductions, and soft-landing support for expansion into Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.
How to Apply
Apply online through the EWC portal linked above. Applicants select the track matching their stage at time of submission.
