The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) 2026, one of the biggest startup pitch contests and entrepreneurship support initiatives in the world, is currently accepting applications. The program, which is open to entrepreneurs from over 200 countries, offers firms the chance to compete for financial rewards, investor access, mentorship, and international recognition. With assistance from more than 100 worldwide partners, the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and Monsha’at organize EWC, which assists entrepreneurs in turning creative concepts into profitable international endeavors.
Startups in the Idea, Early, Growth, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) categories are all welcome to participate in the competition. EWC is more than just a pitch competition; it gives competitors access to business tools, expert coaching, investor networks, and market-entry prospects in Saudi Arabia and the larger MENA region. There is no application fee, so entrepreneurs from all over the world can compete for a portion of $1 million in equity-free cash rewards.
Over 400,000 people from 200 countries have registered for the Entrepreneurship World Cup since its start in 2019, assisting founders in obtaining capital and establishing connections with international investors. Applications and national contests are the first steps in the program’s structured process. The top 250 entrepreneurs then receive virtual bootcamp instruction. After that, the top 100 startups move on to the Global Finals in Riyadh, where they can receive worldwide exposure, investor networking opportunities, and elite coaching to help them grow their businesses globally.
Host Country: Online, Saudi Arabia
Administered By: The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), Monsha’at organize EWC
Opportunity Type: Awards, Competitions
Eligible Applicants: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- All phases of startups are welcome, including idea, early, growth, and AI-focused businesses.
- Applications are open to startups from any nation.
- Candidates may submit their applications as individuals or as legally recognized businesses in their home nation.
- The minimum age requirement for founders or designated representatives is eighteen.
- International sanctions must not apply to applicants.
- Startups at the idea stage should show that their concepts are validated and that they have a clear plan for creating a prototype.
- A functional product, early consumers, or an annual revenue of less than $1 million are requirements for early-stage startups.
- Growth-stage companies need to have more than $1 million in capital or revenue, operate in at least one market, or demonstrate market traction.
- Each startup is only allowed to submit one application; duplicate applications will be rejected.
- Every application needs to be sent in English.
- The Global Finals in Riyadh must be attended by the chosen finalists.
Benefits:
- Compete for a portion of $1 million in cash prizes that are free of equity.
- Get individualized one-on-one training and mentoring from business executives and industry experts.
- Obtain access to corporate partners, venture capital firms, and investors.
- Gain from assistance in entering the Saudi Arabian and MENA markets.
- The top 100 applicants get access to exclusive international networking opportunities and enhanced mentoring.
- There is no participation or application fee.
- The chance to present your startup at the EWC Global Finals in Riyadh on a worldwide scale.
- Through collaborations and international exposure, expand your company’s reach and speed up its growth.
Global Finals Cash Awards
Early-Stage Track
- Champion: $200,000
- Runner-up: $150,000
- Third Place: $90,000
- Fourth Place: $50,000
Growth-Stage Track
- Champion: $160,000
- Runner-up: $100,000
Idea-Stage Track
- Champion: $30,000
- Runner-up: $20,000
Deadline: 30 July 2026
