The Arab Conference at Harvard (ACH) is inviting early-stage startups to participate in its prestigious Startup Competition. Selected founders will have the opportunity to pitch their ventures live at Harvard University to a panel of leading Arab founders and investors, competing for cash prizes and professional mentorship.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Startup Pitch Competition
- For: Early-stage startups with at least one Arab founder or a focus on the Arab world
- Key Benefits: Cash prizes for top 3 teams, mentorship, and high-level networking at Harvard
- Application Deadline: February 27, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts (Harvard University)
Competition Overview
The Startup Competition is a core element of the Arab Conference at Harvard, the largest Arab conference in North America. The program is designed to spotlight ambitious entrepreneurs who are building solutions relevant to the Arab world or aligned with the conference’s annual theme. Beyond the pitch itself, the competition provides a platform for founders to receive feedback from industry experts and gain visibility among North American and Middle Eastern investment communities.
Key Benefits
- Cash Prizes: Awards will be granted to the top three winning teams.
- Live Pitching: Present your business live at Harvard University to a curated audience of investors and entrepreneurs.
- Mentorship: Opportunities to receive direct guidance and mentoring from established experts in the field.
- Networking: Access to networking sessions, round tables, and the broader ACH business and entrepreneurship community.
- Visibility: Gain exposure through the largest gathering of its kind in North America, attended by students, professionals, and policymakers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Founder Requirement: At least one member of the founding team must be of Arab descent.
- Regional Focus: The startup must be focused on the Arab world or its diaspora.
- Thematic Alignment: Startups should ideally align with the conference’s mission of fostering innovation and development in the region.
- Stage: The competition is primarily targeted at early-stage ventures.
How to Apply
Founders must submit their applications through the official conference website. The deadline for all submissions is February 27, 2026. The live competition will take place during the conference dates of April 17–19, 2026.
Apply Here: achharvard.com
About Arab Conference at Harvard
The Arab Conference at Harvard (ACH) is an annual event that brings together over 1,000 students, professionals, and leaders to discuss the most pressing issues and opportunities in the Arab region. Spanning sectors such as Business, Healthcare, Science, and Politics, the conference serves as a bridge between the Arab world and North America, fostering dialogue and collaboration among global change-makers.
Learn More: Arab Conference at Harvard
