In 2019, Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk“ announced the launch of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) a competition designed for people who are active in all stages of entrepreneurship, and is now one of the biggest and most diverse startup pitch competitions in the world.
The global finals will take place in October 2022 and all finalists will be invited to participate in an intensive, virtual startup Bootcamp. The top EWC100 will advance to pitch live at the EWC Global Finals held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November 2022.
EWC participants gain access to knowledge and networks, and maybe even the capital they need to start or scale a company. More so, participation provides access to virtual training and mentorship as well as a broad range of perks and in-kind support to help entrepreneurs.
The competition is a collaboration of 3 co-host organizations – Misk Global Forum, Global Entrepreneurship Network, and The Global Education & Leadership Foundation who roll out the project annually. It now supports 175,000 entrepreneurs in 200 countries. Since launching in 2019, the EWC awarded $3 million in cash prizes, $150 million in in-kind prizes and provided opportunities for entrepreneurs at all levels – from the idea stage to scale-up, to reach the next stage in their journey.
The fourth edition is now open for entrepreneurs to apply. All applicants get access to EWC Accelerates, a virtual training program that helps entrepreneurs hone their skills and increase their chances of winning their national competitions and advancing to the Global Finals.
All EWC 100 finalists will receive a full travel scholarship for one (1) Team Member to participate in the Global Finals and pre-finals EWC Bootcamp at KAUST. The prizes for the top 3 start from $100,000 and the grand prize is $500,000.
Entrepreneurship World Cup outlined the stages of the competition:
IDEA STAGE; Do you have an idea for a new company, but aren’t sure how to start or find the resources you need to take it to the next step? EWC helps you unleash your idea with free on-demand training and $10,000 in perks – just for signing up.
Plus, you have a chance to win $50,000 in cash prizes and meet and network with top investors locally and internationally. Being an EWC alumnus will also give you access to an international community.
EARLY STAGE; Do you have an emerging startup and want to accelerate its trajectory? EWC empowers early-stage founders with access to world-class educational resources, training, and up to $100,000 in perks. As well as a chance to sharpen your skills through a global pitch competition and win up to $300,000 in cash prizes. You will also have a chance to meet and network with peers and top investors locally and internationally. Being an EWC alumnus will give you access to an international community.
GROWTH STAGE; Have you already found your market fit, started gaining serious traction, and have an initial round of funding secured? EWC provides you with a global network of potential collaborators and expert mentors to help you achieve exponential growth, and a chance to win a no-strings-attached check for $300,000. Plus, a chance to meet and network with peers and top investors locally and internationally. Being an EWC alumnus will give you access to an international community.
EWC is all about the entire experience – training, resources, connections, mentorship, and more. So if you’re a budding entrepreneur or already have a successful startup, this may be the opportunity to take your business to the next level.
Eligibility Criteria
Interested entrepreneurs can complete an application here.
See here for a glossary of terms and finer details.
