Deadline Date: May 31, 2026
The EWC Global Entrepreneurship Competition offers to support startups and entrepreneurs through global networking opportunities, mentorship, investor engagement, and access to international business expansion platforms.
The key focus areas of this program include investor access through connections with venture capitalists and corporate partners, market entry support for scaling in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, mentorship through one-on-one sessions with industry leaders, participation on a global stage at the EWC Global Finals in Riyadh, equity-free prize funding of $1M distributed across 12 winners, and opportunities for applicants across all startup stages including idea stage entrepreneurs developing concepts or prototypes, early stage startups with products in the market seeking traction and early revenue, and growth stage companies expanding operations and entering new markets.
The EWC Global Entrepreneurship Competition is positioned as one of the world’s most ambitious entrepreneurial competitions, bringing together startups from around the globe to showcase their ideas and businesses. It is designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of development, ensuring broad access regardless of where they are in their startup journey.
Participants benefit from direct exposure to investors and strategic partners, helping them explore funding opportunities and build meaningful business connections. The program also supports startups looking to expand into new regions, particularly through structured market entry assistance in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
Mentorship is a core part of the experience, offering participants personalized guidance through one-on-one sessions with experienced industry leaders. This support is aimed at strengthening business models, improving execution strategies, and accelerating growth potential.
The competition culminates in a global final event held in Riyadh, where selected startups compete on an international stage. Winners receive a share of $1 million in equity-free cash prizes, distributed among 12 selected winners, providing financial support without equity dilution.
The competition offers prize funding across three startup stages. In the Idea Stage (Concept Validation), participants can win up to $30,000 as a grand prize and $20,000 as runner-up. In the Early Stage (MVP & Traction), prizes include $200,000 for the grand prize, $150,000 for runner-up, $90,000 for third place, and $50,000 for fourth place. In the Growth Stage (Scaling & Revenue), awards include a $160,000 grand prize and a $100,000 runner-up prize.
The program is open to startups across all stages, including idea stage entrepreneurs developing early concepts or prototypes, early stage startups with products already in the market seeking traction and revenue growth, and growth stage companies focused on scaling operations and entering new markets.
For more information, visit Entrepreneurship World Cup.
