The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) is one of the biggest startup contests out there. It’s super open to all kinds of people. Since it began in 2019, over 400,000 business starters from more than 200 places join in every year.
Moreover, the EWC gives out big money, like US$1 million in prizes. It also offers cool training chances. Plus, you get to meet tons of investors and pros who know their stuff.
Structure and Opportunities
The EWC helps people at different stages, like Early Stage, Idea Stage, and Growth Stage. Besides, it covers lots of areas, like Mining, Health Tracking, and Resource Use. What’s more, in 2025, Space Tech will jump in as a new category, too.
Here’s how you can join the fun:
- Application Process: You sign up on the EWC website. Then, you tell them about your business idea, how you’ll sell it, and your big plans.
- Virtual Training: After you’re in, you do training sessions. Additionally, they teach you how to pitch, grow your business, and manage cash.
- National Competitions: It starts with events in your area or country. Moreover, winners move up to the world stage. This lets you get local fans before going global.
- Global Finals: After picking the best from around the world, the top 250 teams go to a boot camp. Then, the “EWC 100” finalists pitch to a group of sharp judges. They compete for cash and other goodies in their groups.
Canadian Participation and Success Stories in the Entrepreneurship World Cup
Canada has always had a strong entrepreneurial feature in EWC. During the finals that took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2019 (which, incidentally was the first occurrence of the competition), Canadian medtech NERv Technology emerged as the winner in the global pitch competition and was awarded a cash prize of US$500,000 as well as perks and free support and services.
Later on, Canadians kept shining. In 2024, three teams—Carbon Lock Tech, DOUBL Manufacturing Ltd., and Neuropeutics—made it to the EWC 100 finalists, showing Canada’s got game worldwide.
Benefits for Entrepreneurs
The cash in the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) is a huge pull, but there’s more to it. Check out these perks:
- Global Exposure: The competition is an opportunity for startups to appeal and market themselves to potential investors as well as partners and customers.
- Comprehensive Support: The EWC isn’t just about prizes. In addition, it gives you mentors, lessons, and tools to grow fast.
- Networking Opportunities: You meet other dreamers, pros, and investors from everywhere, making awesome connections.
The EWC can be useful for entrepreneurs looking to grow internationally, however, it is not designed to facilitate immigration to Canada directly. That being said, attending the conference can help bolster a founder’s credibility by showcasing one’s ability to innovate and create viable business opportunities; traits that Canadian programs such as the Startup Visa Program are looking out for.
If you, as an entrepreneur, want to start or bring a business to Canada, the Startup Visa Program is a smart move. Further, you need support from certain Canadian groups to make it work. Startup Visa Services can help you hit those goals and get your company going in Canada.
Want more info? Contact us directly
Start Up Visa Services
and how SVS can help?
