Startup World Cup 2026: Bangladeshi Startups Get Shot at $1 Million Global Prize
Innovative and emerging startups in Bangladesh are getting a major opportunity to showcase their businesses on the global stage as registration for the Bangladesh regional round of Startup World Cup 2026 has officially opened.
Organized by US-based venture capital firm Pegasus Tech Ventures, the global startup investment competition is being held in more than 100 countries. The winner of the global final will receive an investment prize of US$1 million.
The Bangladesh regional round is being organized this year by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department of Daffodil International University. The Startup World Cup Bangladesh 2026 Regional Grand Finale is scheduled to take place on September 15.
The winning startup from Bangladesh will represent the country at the global final, which is scheduled to be held in San Francisco, United States, on November 6.
Who Can Apply?
Bangladeshi students, young entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, startup founders and individuals working on innovative business ideas are eligible to participate.
Startups that are less than five years old and are at the ideation, pre-seed, seed or early Series A stage can apply. Teams can consist of a maximum of three members.
Global Investment and Networking Opportunities
The Bangladesh regional winner will receive Tk 50,000, along with a crest and certificate. The winner will also get the opportunity to compete directly at the global Startup World Cup event in San Francisco.
In addition, the top 10 startups from Bangladesh will have the opportunity to attend networking sessions at the global event. They will be able to connect with international investors, venture capital firms, technology entrepreneurs and business policymakers, potentially creating opportunities for investment, partnerships and expansion into global markets.
To prepare Bangladeshi participants for the international competition, two in-person training sessions will be organized with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and university faculty members.
The sessions will cover business pitching, investor presentations and strategies for competing effectively on the global stage. Ashik Khan, Program Director of Startup World Cup Bangladesh, said the Bangladesh round was successfully organized last year, with a local startup going on to represent the country at the global competition.
Based on last year’s experience, he said, this year’s event is being organized on a larger scale. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for Bangladesh’s innovative startups to attract global investment and enter international markets.
In the previous edition, Robo Technologies won the Bangladesh regional round and represented the country at the global final in San Francisco.
Organizers hope the 2026 edition will help Bangladeshi entrepreneurs establish connections with international investors and technology leaders while contributing to the further development of the country’s startup ecosystem.
Interested startups can register until August 20, 2026.
