Riyadh: The Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) semifinals started yesterday in Riyadh. The competition, a central feature of the Biban Forum 2025, themed “Global Destination for Opportunities,” is sponsored by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (Misk). The top 100 companies from 47 countries worldwide are competing for multiple prizes totaling $1.5 million.

According to Saudi Press Agency, following the quarter-final competition held yesterday evening, 60 startups qualified to advance and present their ideas in the EWC semifinals. These elimination rounds will culminate in the top 24 startups competing for the EWC title on the final day.

The competition’s judging panel comprises experts in innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship tasked with identifying the most innovative startups. The winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on November 8 in Riyadh, concluding the Biban Forum events.