Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Find quick answers to common questions about the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) including how to apply, who can participate, what winners receive, and what to expect at the Global Finals in Riyadh.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Find quick answers to common questions about the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) including how to apply, who can participate, what winners receive, and what to expect at the Global Finals in Riyadh.
A. The Entrepreneurship World Cup is open to creative and innovative individuals anywhere on the entrepreneurship spectrum. With categories and prizes for idea-stage, early-stage, and growth-stageventures, EWC ensures fair competition across all industries. Startups must be less than 10 years oldas of the date of the Global Finals.
A. Yes. EWC welcomes all entrepreneurs—including those building social ventures focused on impact-driven solutions.
A. No. There is no application fee at any stage of the competition.
A. Yes. EWC offers more than USD $1 million in total cash prizes across multiple categories. In addition, the EWC 100 finalists receive investment opportunities, global visibility, mentorship, market access, and in-kind support.
A. All startups must apply from the country where their headquarters are based—defined as the location of executive management and key staff. If you’re at the idea stage, apply from the country where you plan to establish your business.
A. English is the official language of the global EWC program. While National Organizers may accept applications in local languages for national rounds, all Global Finalists must compete in English, and the Global Finals are conducted exclusively in English.
A. Team members must be at least 18 years old.
A. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage early submission. The final deadline for EWC 2026 will be announced soon. Apply as early as possible to avoid missing the cutoff.
A. Key 2026 dates include:
Application Portal Opens: Nov 2025
Application Deadline: May 2026
EWC 250 Selection: July 2026
EWC Virtual Bootcamp: August 2026
EWC 100 Selection: September 2026
EWC Global Finals: November 2026 (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
(All dates will be confirmed and published on the official EWC website.)
A. All applicants enter the EWC Global Pool for evaluation. The top 250 highest-scoring startups become the EWC 250 and join the Virtual Bootcamp. From there, the EWC 100 are selected based on performance, due diligence, and judging criteria. These finalists advance to the Global Finals in Riyadh.
A. The EWC Global Finals 2026 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Biban Global Forum in November 2026.
A. The Global Finals is a multi-day, high-impact event featuring:
Live pitching sessions
Expo booths for finalists
Networking with global investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders
Media exposure and partnership opportunities
Cultural and innovation programming as part of the Biban Forum
Finalists receive free travel and accommodation to Riyadh.
