Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026

The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) is a large international startup competition and entrepreneurship support programme co-hosted by Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). Since launching in 2019, EWC says it has engaged more than 420,000 entrepreneurs from over 191 countries.

The current EWC 2026 cycle is open to entrepreneurs at different stages of business development. Applicants can compete through the Idea, Early or Growth tracks, while AI-focused companies can also compete for dedicated AI prizes. The programme accepts ventures from across industries, including social-impact businesses.

Applications first enter the global evaluation process. The strongest startups progress to the EWC 250, whose founders participate in a virtual bootcamp featuring mentorship, pitch preparation and investor readiness. From these, 100 startups are selected to attend the Global Finals in Riyadh.

The programme provides more than financial awards. EWC is designed to connect founders with international investors, mentors, corporate partners and market-entry opportunities, including exposure to the Saudi Arabian and wider MENA startup ecosystem.

Following an official extension announced in August 2026, founders now have until 31 May 2027 to submit or update their applications. The EWC 250 selection is scheduled for July 2027, followed by the virtual bootcamp in August, EWC 100 selection in September and the Global Finals in November 2027.

Note: Although the main competition stages now extend into 2027, the organiser continues to officially brand this cycle as EWC 2026.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• The programme is international, with no general restriction based on nationality, gender or background, subject to applicable international sanctions and trade restrictions.
• Applicants may apply as individuals where appropriate or on behalf of legally registered entities.
• Startups must be less than 10 years old as of the date of the Global Finals.
• The applicant should apply from the country where the startup is headquartered. Idea-stage applicants should use the country where they plan to establish the business.
• Idea Track: the concept should have been validated through research or user feedback and demonstrate a clear route towards prototyping; revenue is not required.
• Early Track: applicants should have a functional product or prototype, early users or less than USD 1 million in annual revenue, and the venture must be a registered legal entity.
• Growth Track: businesses should operate in at least one market and have more than USD 1 million in annual revenue or demonstrate significant traction such as Series A funding.
• AI-focused startups may compete through dedicated AI prize tracks at different stages of development.
• All global submissions and presentations must be in English.
• Only one submission per startup is permitted. Duplicate entries for the same venture under different names may be disqualified.
• Entities must be in good standing and must not be in liquidation or bankruptcy.

• USD 1,000,000 total equity-free cash prize pool across the current tracks.
• Early Stage Grand Prize: USD 200,000.
• Early Stage Runner-Up: USD 150,000.
• Early Stage Third Place: USD 90,000.
• Early Stage Fourth Place: USD 50,000.
• Growth Stage Grand Prize: USD 160,000.
• Growth Stage Runner-Up: USD 100,000.
• Idea Stage Grand Prize: USD 30,000.
• Idea Stage Runner-Up: USD 20,000.
• Four USD 50,000 AI prizes covering AI Infrastructure & Platforms; Smart Manufacturing & Mobility; Energy, Water & Sustainable Systems; and Gaming & Immersive Tech.
• Virtual bootcamp training for the EWC 250, including mentorship, pitch training and investor preparation.
• Mentorship and direct investor networking opportunities for the EWC 100 finalists.
• Global visibility and opportunities to connect with investors, mentors, corporate partners and entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders.
• Travel support for EWC 100 finalists attending Riyadh, with official information specifically confirming flights, hotel accommodation and local transportation.
• Access to market-entry and soft-landing support connected with Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
• Invitation-letter support for Global Finalists where required for Saudi visa applications.

The official programme does not publish a simple universal document checklist for every applicant. However, its current rules and terms confirm that applicants may need to provide:

• Startup/company information requested through the online application.
• A pitch deck.
• A brief description of the startup/company.
• Startup logo and founder/profile imagery or related promotional materials where requested.
• Valid identification if requested during verification.
• Incorporation/registration documents where applicable.
• Financial statements where requested for verification or stage assessment.
• Additional supporting information requested through the application or due-diligence process.

Official EWC information identifies the following core considerations:

• Innovation of the startup or business concept.
• Scalability and ability to grow.
• Impact of the proposed venture.
• Evidence that the startup fits the requirements of its selected Idea, Early, Growth or AI track.
• Performance during later competition stages, including the virtual bootcamp.
• Successful completion of eligibility and due-diligence checks.
• Final judging by an independent panel of entrepreneurship and investment experts.

• Compete on an international platform alongside startups from around the world.
• Gain exposure to global investors, mentors and entrepreneurship leaders.
• Receive structured startup and pitch-development support if selected for the EWC 250.
• Access potential market-entry opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
• Present your startup at a major international entrepreneurship event in Riyadh if selected as an EWC 100 finalist.
• Compete for substantial equity-free cash prizes without giving up ownership in exchange for the award.
• Build international visibility, partnerships and investor connections beyond the competition itself.