Empowering entrepreneurs. Increasing innovation
Join the world’s most ambitious entrepreneurial competition.
Why Participate
Investor Access
Connect with VCs and corporate partners
Market Entry
Soft-landing support for scaling in Saudi Arabia & MENA Region
Mentorship
1:1 sessions with industry leaders
Global Stage
Compete in Riyadh at the EWC Global Finals
$1M Prizes
Equity-free cash awards across 12 winners
EWC Journey
Applications Open
Startups apply globally across tracks: Idea, Early, Growth, and Artificial Intelligence
Nov 2025 – May 2026
EWC Selection
Top startups selected based on innovation, scalability, and impact.
July 2026
Virtual Bootcamp
Top 250 startups receive mentorship, pitch training, and investor prep.
August 2026
EWC 100 Selection
Top 100 advance to the Global Finals.
September 2026
Global Finals in Riyadh
Finalists compete live for a share of $1 million, with full travel support including flights, hotel accommodation, and local transportation.
November 2026
Who Can Apply?
EWC is open to startups at all stages. No matter where you are in your journey, there is a place for you.
Idea Stage
- Entrepreneurs with a concept or prototype
- Looking to validate and build
Early Stage
- Startups with a product in market
- Generating early revenue
- Seeking traction
Growth Stage
- Established companies
- Scaling operations
- Expanding into new markets
Global Reward
Early Stage
Grand Prize
$200,000
Runner Up
$150,000
3rd Place
$90,000
4th Place
$90,000
Growth Stage
Grand Prize
$160,000
Runner Up
$100,000
Idea Stage
Grand Prize
$30,000
Runner Up
$20,000
AI Sub-Tracks
Specialized prizes for cutting-edge innovation
AI Infrastructure & Platforms
$50,000
Smart Manufacturing & Mobility
$50,000
Energy, Water & Sustainable Systems
$50,000
Gaming & Immersive Tech
$50,000












































