STARTUP OF THE YEAR

Description

A startup that inspires the next generation of founders while positively impacting the economy and the world in general. It is a product and/or service which is already a success on the market, disrupting its industry with an innovative approach.

FOUNDER OF THE YEAR

Description

A startup founder or co-founder who has shown strong leadership skills and achieved exceptional business results while being an inspiration to their team and a role model for the next generation of founders.

BEST NEWCOMER

Description

A startup up to 2 years of age with the potential to become Startup of the Year in the future. Its product and/or service is already on the market on a path to disrupt its industry and positively impact the economy and the world.

INVESTOR OF THE YEAR

Description

An individual or company that has displayed the best investment acumen over the last year. This could be through an exit, early investment of a notable startup, or realization of an earlier investment.

BEST CO-WORKING SPACE

Description

A co-working space that deserves the recognition for its services, support, and resources to fast-growth startups, and for creating a culture and environment that fosters innovation and focuses on positively impacting the world.

BEST VERTECH STARTUP

Description

All regional winners which were part of a vertical category in their region/country will be placed in this category.
These comprise the following categories: ESG Tech, Health Tech, Commerce Tech, Industrial Tech, The Master of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Best FinTech, Best HealthTech, Best AI/Machine Learning Startup.

DIVERSITY ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR

Description

An individual who is known for their outstanding achievements and contribution to the mission of empowering more women and/or members of underrepresented groups to become founders, investors and leaders in their local and/or international startup and innovation ecosystem.

BEST ACCELERATOR/INCUBATOR PROGRAM

Description

A fixed-term, cohort-based, mentorship-driven program that helps and empowers entrepreneurs to foster the growth of their innovative companies by providing tools, resources, connections, knowledge and expertise.

BEST GREEN TECH STARTUP

Description

A startup that has shown green innovative technologies, products, and/or services enabling the more efficient use and management of energy and natural resources, reducing waste while providing superior performance at lower or comparable costs.