The Global Startup Awards has officially entered its final stage, with the announcement of the global finalists for Edition 11. After months of regional competitions and evaluations, the world’s most promising startups, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders are now preparing to compete at the Global Grand Finale.
This final stage will take place on 7 May in Valletta, Malta, as part of the EU-Startups Summit 2026, bringing together key players from across the global startup ecosystem.
As investors behind the Global Startup Awards and the parent company of EU-Startups, we are proud to support an initiative that continues to connect ecosystems worldwide while strengthening Europe’s position in global innovation.
Edition 11 of the Global Startup Awards (GSA) has been one of the most competitive to date. Over 70,000 nominations were reviewed across regional competitions held on six continents, highlighting the scale and diversity of today’s startup ecosystems worldwide.
Following extensive jury evaluations and regional selections, the finalists now represent the very best of innovation emerging from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Oceania.
Each finalist has already demonstrated strong impact within their local ecosystem and now advances to compete at the highest level of the global startup awards competition.
At the Global Grand Finale, finalists will compete for 13 prestigious titles, recognising both startups and key contributors shaping the innovation ecosystem.
These categories reflect the diversity and depth of the global startup ecosystem, celebrating not only high-growth companies but also the individuals and organisations driving innovation forward.
The Global Startup Awards Grand Finale will be hosted within the EU-Startups Summit 2026, creating a unique platform where startup founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders come together.
By aligning these two major initiatives, we are contributing to the creation of a powerful meeting point for global startup ecosystems, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and new opportunities across regions.
This convergence further reinforces Europe’s growing role as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and international ecosystem development.
For those interested in joining this global gathering of innovators:
🎟 Secure your ticket:
https://www.eu-startups.com/summit/
🔗 Discover the finalists:
https://lnkd.in/d9XNScnH
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