Riyadh is set to welcome 100 of the world’s most promising startups for the 2025 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) final, marking another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s growing global innovation profile.
A Global Stage for Innovation
The EWC final will take place during the Biban Forum 2025, scheduled to run from November 5 to 8 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre. The competition attracted more than 10,000 applications from 169 countries, narrowing down to the top 100 startups representing 46 nations.
The finalists span 16 industries, including healthcare, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and information technology, showcasing the diversity of innovation now shaping the global startup landscape.
A Platform for Global Entrepreneurs
The finalists will compete for over $1.5 million in cash prizes and in-kind support, alongside access to investors, mentors, and accelerator programmes. The Entrepreneurship World Cup provides not only financial rewards but also visibility and global networking opportunities that can accelerate business growth.
The event is organised by Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). Together, they aim to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem and highlight its emergence as a global hub for entrepreneurial talent.
Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Role in Global Entrepreneurship
Hosting the EWC final reinforces Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to diversify the economy and drive growth through innovation, technology, and private-sector leadership.
Riyadh’s position as host city signals confidence in the Kingdom’s infrastructure and ambition to become a leading destination for international entrepreneurship events. For participating startups, it also provides access to new markets and investors across the Middle East.
What to Expect in 2025
The competition will highlight emerging trends across frontier technologies such as AI, space tech, and deep tech. Observers expect many finalists to continue building partnerships within the region after the competition, tapping into Saudi Arabia’s growing investment and incubation networks.
As the world’s top startups gather in Riyadh, the 2025 EWC final will serve as both a showcase of innovation and a reflection of the Kingdom’s transformation into a global centre for entrepreneurship.
