The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) 2026 is now accepting applications from ambitious founders worldwide to compete for a share of $1 million in equity-free cash prizes and global scaling opportunities.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Global Startup Competition and Accelerator Program
- For: Entrepreneurs at Idea, Early, and Growth stages, including a dedicated track for AI startups
- Key Benefits: $1,000,000 total cash prize pool (equity-free), world-class mentorship, and investor networking
- Application Deadline: May 2026
- Location: Global (Virtual stages) with Global Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Competition Overview
The Entrepreneurship World Cup is one of the world’s largest and most diverse pitch competitions and support programs for next-generation entrepreneurs. Since its inception, it has engaged over 420,000 participants from 191 countries. The 2026 edition offers a structured journey—from a virtual bootcamp for the top 250 startups to the “EWC 100” Global Finals in Riyadh—designed to help founders validate their concepts, gain traction, and scale their operations into new markets.
Key Benefits
- Equity-Free Funding: A total prize pool of $1,000,000 distributed across different stages and tracks.
- In-Kind Support: Access to over $150 million in in-kind support and perks from global partners.
- Mentorship & Training: Top 250 startups enter a virtual bootcamp for pitch training and investor preparation.
- Global Visibility: Brand amplification through elite media exposure and the opportunity to pitch on a global stage in Riyadh.
- Networking: Direct access to a network of high-level investors and a community of over 420,000 entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to entrepreneurs across the globe within the following three tracks:
- Idea Stage: Founders with a concept or prototype looking to validate and build.
- Early Stage: Startups with a product in the market, generating early revenue, and seeking traction.
- Growth Stage: Established companies scaling operations and expanding into new markets.
- Special Track: A dedicated AI sub-track is open to cutting-edge innovation at any stage of development.
Prizes and Awards
The cash prizes are categorized by stage to ensure fair competition:
- Early Stage: Prizes ranging from $50,000 (4th place) to $200,000 (Grand Prize).
- Growth Stage: $160,000 for the Grand Prize and $100,000 for the Runner Up.
- Idea Stage: $30,000 for the Grand Prize and $20,000 for the Runner Up.
- AI Track: Specialized prizes for innovation in Artificial Intelligence.
Key Dates and Schedule
- November 2025 – May 2026: Application Period.
- July 2026: EWC Selection (Top startups identified).
- August 2026: Virtual Bootcamp for the top 250 startups.
- September 2026: EWC 100 Selection (Finalists announced).
- November 2026: Global Finals in Riyadh.
How to Apply
Startups ready to scale their impact can submit their early applications through the official EWC portal. Ensure your application is completed before the final cutoff in May 2026 to be considered for the selection rounds.
Apply Here: Entrepreneurship World Cup Application Form
About Entrepreneurship World Cup
The Entrepreneurship World Cup is a global initiative that empowers founders from over 191 countries by providing them with resources, visibility, and access to life-changing opportunities. It is designed to foster innovation and help startups navigate the journey from idea to global scale through strategic partnerships and a massive support ecosystem.
Learn More: Entrepreneurship World Cup
