For Startups
Pitch on theStartup World CupStage
Compete in Abu Dhabi in front of investors, corporates and ecosystem leaders, and pursue the path to the global Grand Finale.
Why Compete
What Founders Gain
Visibility
Connections
Global Pathway
Process
Timeline & Deadlines
Key stages and dates on the road from application to the global Grand Finale.
Open Now
Applications Open
Submit your application through the form below. Applications are reviewed as they arrive, so apply early.
To Be Announced
Application Deadline
The closing date will be published here. Apply early to be considered.
Before 12 December 2026
Screening & Finalist Selection
A panel screens applications and shortlists the finalists who will pitch live on stage.
Sat, 12 December 2026
Abu Dhabi Pitch Competition
Finalists pitch at Yas Conference Centre, Yas Island, in front of investors, corporates and ecosystem leaders.
Announced On Stage
Regional Winner
The Abu Dhabi winner advances into the Startup World Cup 2027 global competition pathway.
2027 · Date To Be Announced
Global Semi-Finals & Grand Finale
Regional winners compete in San Francisco for the US$1,000,000 investment prize. The 2027 Grand Finale date will be announced on startupworldcup.io.
Eligibility & Requirements
Before You Apply
Who Is Eligible
What You'll Need
- — Company name, website and country
- — Founder name and contact email
- — Sector and stage
- — Short pitch summary and deck link (or upload your deck from the Founder Dashboard)
- — Funding raised to date
Selection
Deadlines
AI Pitch Coach
Get Instant Feedback on Your Pitch
Free, instant and AI-powered — refine your pitch before you apply.
Paste your pitch summary below and our AI coach will review it instantly — strengths, gaps and a score — before you apply.
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Apply Now
Submit Your Application
Fill in the form below — your application is saved directly for the event team to review.
Ready to Pitch?
Send your application and our team will be in touch.
