One hundred pioneering startups representing 46 countries have officially qualified for the finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) 2025. The global competition will culminate in Riyadh, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, Monsha’at, as part of the Biban 2025 forum, scheduled from November 5 to 8 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.
A Global Stage With $1.5M In Prizes
The Entrepreneurship World Cup stands as one of the largest and most diverse startup competitions worldwide. The finalists will compete for a share of over $1.5 million in cash prizes, presenting their innovative solutions to an elite gathering of global entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. The event underscores the Kingdom’s expanding position as a central hub for global entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Journey To The Finals
The selection of the top 100 finalists was the result of a highly competitive and rigorous process that began last May. The competition initially attracted more than 10,300 applications from over 169 countries. Following multiple rounds of evaluation and judging, 250 ventures were selected to participate in a virtual training boot camp held in collaboration with Spain’s Esade Ramon Llull University. From this cohort, the final 100 were chosen to advance to the global finals in Riyadh.
Diverse Finalists From Key Global Hubs
The cohort of finalists reflects a truly global talent pool, with the highest number of participants hailing from Saudi Arabia, the United States, South Korea, Canada, Singapore, France, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. These ventures span a wide array of critical sectors, including Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Health and Social Services, Agriculture, Industry, and Aerospace, showcasing the breadth of innovation on display.
Bolstering The Kingdom’s Vision 2030
Hosting the EWC finals within Biban 2025 reinforces the Kingdom’s strategic role in championing global innovation and entrepreneurship. This initiative is a clear reflection of Saudi Arabia’s advanced standing as a magnet for international startups, venture capital, and pioneering ideas, directly aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030 to build a diversified and sustainable economy.
About The Entrepreneurship World Cup
The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) is a global program organized by Monsha’at in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and the Misk Foundation. It aims to empower entrepreneurs at all stages by providing them with opportunities to pitch on a global stage, connect with investors and VCs, and access valuable training and mentorship. The program is designed to enhance their competitive capabilities and help transform innovative ideas into scalable, global enterprises.
Source: Rowad Al Aamal
