Rules and Terms

Rules Overview

The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) operates under a standardized global framework to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency across all participating countries. All applicants must review and comply with the rules below to be eligible for selection.

Eligibility and Participation Rules

  1. Applicant Eligibility
    • Individuals or legally registered entities
    • Founders must be ≥18 years old
    • No restrictions based on nationality, gender, or background

  2. Stage Requirements

    • Idea Track: Concept validated through research or user feedback; no revenue required
    • Early Track: Functional product/prototype with early users or <$1M annual revenue
    • Growth Track: Operating in ≥1 market with >$1M annual revenue or significant traction

  3. Application Requirements

    • Provide accurate supporting documents or proof upon request and within the specified timeframe; failure to do so may result in disqualification
    • Submit in English
    • One submission per startup (duplicate entries disqualified)

  4. Finalist Obligations

    • EWC 100 must attend Global Finals in Riyadh, November 2026 (travel covered)
    • At least one founder must present live

Evaluation and Selection Rules

Process Overview:

“Applications are evaluated in four phases using consistent, stage-appropriate criteria.”

Phases & Criteria:

    • Initial Screening: Completeness, eligibility, anti-fraud check

    • Scoring by Global Experts: Based on:

      • Innovation (novelty, technical feasibility)

      • Market Potential (size, demand, go-to-market clarity)

      • Team (capability, commitment, diversity)

      • Impact (economic, social, environmental)

    • EWC 250 Selection: Top-scoring 250 startups notified in July 2026

    • EWC 100 & Finalists: Post-bootcamp evaluation by global judges; finalists selected by September 2026

    • Judging Panel: Final decisions made by independent experts, investors, and industry leaders with no conflict of interest.

Legal Terms and Conditions

Key Clauses:

    • Binding Agreement: Submission constitutes acceptance of all rules

    • Data Use: Personal data processed per EWC Privacy Policy

    • IP Ownership: Applicants retain all IP; EWC granted non-exclusive license to promote submissions

    • Disqualification: For false info, unethical conduct, or rule violations

    • Governing Law: Subject to laws of Saudi Arabia