STARTUP WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

The Startup World Cup Championship is a global competition for young and mature entrepreneurs that brings together inventors, investors, entrepreneurs and government representatives from 35+ countries. Starting with regional competitions, hundreds of participants compete for the chance to move on to the Grand Finale to win a grand prize.
The event focuses on entrepreneurship education, innovation, and practical business development in an international context, with particular attention to youth and next generation entrepreneurial initiatives.
The programme includes startup pitch sessions, project presentations, and evaluation by an international jury representing business, education, and innovation sectors. Participants present projects across different stages of development, primarily within youth and educational startup categories, with assessment based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and demonstrated business potential. The championship is integrated into the wider Global Business Week programme, enabling participants to engage with business forums, networking sessions, and professional meetings taking place during the event week.

Champions Awards for 1, 2, 3 place:

• Best Commercial Startup / SIFE Award / Startups in innovative free enterprise
• Best Social Startup / SAGE Award / Startups for the development of a global environment
• GREEN PLANET / Startups Award for solving environmental problems and creating alternative energy sources
• UN Gold medals SDGs
• Cash prize
• International certificates and diplomas
• Special prizes from partners / sponsors
• Diplomas of Participants

Youth startup teams, young entrepreneurs, and innovation projects are invited to participate in the Startup World Cup Championship. Applications are open for international participants, including participation through the Open League format. The competition provides an opportunity for young founders to present their projects to an international audience, receive professional feedback, and establish connections within a global entrepreneurial environment.