Why participate in the Entrepreneurship World Cup?

The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) is one of the largest global initiatives to support and empower startups, where thousands of founders from different stages— from idea to growth—come together in an integrated journey that spans training, mentorship, expansion, and market entry.

With the support of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk” and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the EWC offers a complete experience that culminates in the opportunity to compete for $1.5 million in prizes during the finals held within Biban Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What makes the Entrepreneurship World Cup different?

Unlike traditional competitions, the EWC offers an integrated experience that includes:

• $1.5 million in cash prizes awarded without any investment obligations or equity requirements
• Comprehensive coverage of travel, visa, and accommodation costs for the Top 100 qualifiers from around the world
• Direct access to global investors and leading enablement entities from the public and private sectors
• The opportunity to pitch before a select group of investors during Biban Forum
• A fully funded soft-landing program for selected winners to facilitate entry into the Saudi market and connect them with expansion and investment opportunities

Strategic objectives of the competition

• Attract innovative startups
  Attract entrepreneurs working in fields aligned with the Kingdom’s strategic priorities
• Highlight opportunities within the Kingdom
  Shed light on emerging markets and fast-growing sectors in Saudi Arabia
• Stimulate investment
  Connect startups with local and international investors and strengthen the investment ecosystem
• Provide solutions to global challenges
  Enable startups to offer innovative solutions to real-world challenges

Key figures — 2025 Edition

• +42,000 registered entrepreneurs
• +10,300 competing applicants
• +160 participating countries
• 16 sectors represented
• $1.5 million total prizes

Who can apply?

Whether you are at the beginning or in a scale-up phase, the EWC is open to you:

• Idea Stage — Concept validation or pre-product
• Early Stage — MVP with early indicators of traction
• Growth Stage — A scalable company with recurring revenues

What are the prizes?

Early Stage

• 1st place: $250,000
• 2nd place: $200,000
• 3rd place: $150,000
• 4th place: $100,000
• 5th place: $50,000

Growth Stage

• 1st place: $175,000
• 2nd place: $100,000

Idea Stage

• 1st place: $50,000
• 2nd place: $25,000

New in 2025: SpaceTech Sector prizes

In the 2025 edition, we spotlight innovations enabled by space technologies. Four $100,000 cash prizes will be awarded to companies using space technologies to solve real-world challenges:

• SpaceTech in mining
• SpaceTech in smart construction
• SpaceTech in crowd management
• SpaceTech in public safety

What are the competition phases?

1. Opening registration to entrepreneurs worldwide.
2. Initial screening and selection of the Top 250 to join a virtual bootcamp.
3. Final judging to select the Top 100 startups.
4. Global finals at Biban Forum, including pitches, judging, awards, and investor networking.
5. Post-competition: tailored support for winners to enter the Saudi market through the soft-landing program and linkage to investment opportunities.

To view the list of qualifiers:
Link