KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition

1,300+ applicants globally

Months of pitch events

21 regional pitch competitions

1 final global pitch event

The future doesn’t change by accident. It changes when innovators move ideas forward. For the past five years, we’ve introduced hundreds of bold technology entrepreneurs and innovations that are making a difference in the world in the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator Competition.

Now you have the opportunity to make that next step in the 2026 competition. It brings together some of the world’s most promising and bold technology innovators — founders and entrepreneurs like you who are challenging assumptions and building solutions to real-world challenges that may not have been imagined by others.

If your tech solution has the potential to transform industries, empower communities or redefine markets, and you’re ready for growth — the competition offers visibility, credibility and connections with global technology leaders and investors. It’s your platform to demonstrate the impact of your innovation at scale.

If you're ready to push the limits and take your tech innovation to the next level, we want to hear from you!

Step forward. Stand out. And make the future a reality.

Apply now

Participating in the KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition, we are proud to once again spotlight the innovators who are redefining the frontiers of technology and their impact on world. The trends we’re now seeing — from sustainable technologies to intelligent systems — show that the future belongs to those who combine creativity with purpose. Apply now to and showcase your innovation on a global stage.

Anurag Bajpai

Partner, Audit

KPMG Middle East

Here are some of the potential benefits

Visibility and exposure

Introduce your innovation and business on a prestigious platform, reaching a national and global audience of industry professionals, investors, potential partners and customers. Increase your company’s presence locally through targeted business and social media coverage that reaches key tech and business influencers across your country.
Validation and recognition

Strengthen your credibility in the tech industry and among potential investors, partners and customers by earning recognition and validation for your innovation as a finalist – or potential winner – in national and global pitch competitions.
Networking opportunities

Tap into a powerful hub for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Build meaningful connections with fellow tech innovators, engage with seasoned professionals and gain fresh insights that can accelerate your growth. Join a global peer-to-peer network of high-achieving entrepreneurs, where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged and opportunities thrive.

Mentorship and guidance

Gain access to KPMG mentors and advisers who bring deep industry knowledge and experience. Receive tailored guidance to refine your innovation, overcome challenges and successfully navigate the path to scaling your tech.
Media and publicity

Secure regional and global media coverage to amplify your innovation’s visibility, strengthen your market presence and attract potential users, customers and future investors.
Learning and growth

From the initial application through regional and global presentations, the competition offers powerful learning opportunities. Gain valuable feedback from judges and peers, sharpen your innovation and refine your presentation skills through real-world experience and collaboration.

Is the Global Tech Innovator competition right for you?

Who are we looking for?

Tech innovators and entrepreneurs whose innovations and businesses are ready to reach new heights.

What are we looking for?

Tech innovations and tech-enabled solutions with bold ambitions to transform entire industries and make a difference in the world.

Why should you enter?

If you’ve created a bold tech innovation with breakthrough potential and are ready to scale up, this competition may be your most important next step. It’s your opportunity to showcase your technology, your vision and yourself to an audience of influential investors, partners and industry leaders.

Join a community of tech innovators who are turning their bold ambitions into a reality

Hear from past winners and finalists

Who is eligible to enter the competition?

Qualifications and eligibility criteria

Applicants are typically technology entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the startup phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction and have the potential to scale up globally.

To be eligible for the competition, you must:

Be a registered company in the country/region where the country/region final is being held.
Have been actively operating for 7 years or less (in the current form).
Generate revenue between US $1 million and $15 million; or have raised at least US $500,000 in equity.
Be either a pure technology or a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business.
Not be majority owned by a large corporate.
Be able to conduct all pitches in English.
Be available to pitch at a country/region semi-final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin (if applicable).
Available to pitch virtually at a country/region final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin.
If selected as a finalist, be available to pitch at the global final in November 2026

Application criteria

How do I know if my company qualifies?

Q: Who can apply?

A: Any technology entrepreneur that has operated for seven years or less and is registered and based in a country/territory/jurisdiction that is participating in the competition can apply. Applicants must have innovative, proven technologies, robust business models, the ability to demonstrate traction in their activities and the potential to scale up. All individuals entering the competition on behalf of a company must be residents in the country/territory/jurisdiction they are applying in and be 18 years of age or older. KPMG employees and contractors are prohibited from entering the competition.

Q: How do I know if my company qualifies?

A: We aim to be as inclusive as possible; whether you’re a pure technology company, tech-enabled, tech-led, or tech-driven, we want to hear about your growth ambitions.

Q: At what stage of growth should my company be in order to be considered?

A: We are looking for companies that have a viable product or service and have been operating for seven years or less.

What steps do I need to take to enter the competition?

Q: How can I participate in the competition?

A: To enter the competition, you must fill out the online application form for your company before the application deadline of your country.

Q: When can I apply?

A: Check with the KPMG office in your location for their application timelines.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of entries?

A: During the application period, there is no limit to the number of companies that can apply. However, we request that you do not submit more than one application from your company.

Q: What information do I need to provide?

A: You will need to provide:

Company details (name, address, company registration number, contact details).
CEO, founder and management team details.
A brief description of the company, business model, any media coverage and proprietary technology (maximum of 200 words).
Details on funding raised to date, 2025 revenue figures and projections for 2026.
A high-resolution image of your company logo.

What’s involved in the pitching events?

Q: What is the pitching format?

A: Each company will be given a total of approximately five minutes to present their pitch and answer questions from a judging panel. All presentations must be in Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF file format. A detailed pack outlining the requirements will be shared with shortlisted businesses, when appropriate.

Q: What will the judges be looking for?

A: Each pitching competition will be judged by a panel of industry and KPMG specialists. All applications will be scored based on these six, equally weighted criteria: disruption and innovation, market potential, customer adoption, market traction and marketing, long-term potential and pitch quality. The decisions of the panel will be final.

What can the winners expect?

Q: What do winners receive?

A: Country/region winners will receive exposure and recognition through local media coverage and KPMG corporate channels. The country/region winners will proceed as finalists in the Global Tech Innovator competition, which will take place in November, 2026.

The finalists will be provided with standard-class flights/travel, and hotel accommodation to the final event, which cannot be substituted for cash or other alternatives.

Q: How and when will the winners be notified?

A: Country/region winners will be notified on the day of their final pitch event. The overall Global Tech Innovator winner will be announced on stage — in person and virtually — in November, 2026.

General questions that may be on your mind

Q: Is there a cost to participate in the competition?

A: There is no cost to enter the competition. However, travel costs related to participating in the semi-final and country final pitch events — if they are being held in person — are the responsibility of the participants. KPMG will cover the cost of standard class flights/travel, accommodation for one member of each finalist company who presents at the global final event in November.

Q: Is there any publicity involved?

A: KPMG Private Enterprise will be promoting the pitch events alongside various other sponsors throughout the course of the competition. By entering the competition, you agree that any personal information provided in your entry may be held and used by KPMG to administer the competition.

If you are a winner, you agree that KPMG may use your name, image and company branding to announce the winner of the competition and for any other reasonable and related promotional and marketing purposes.

Q: Will I receive feedback on my application?

A: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. We value the time and effort put into each submission and thank you for your participation, however, due to the volume of entries, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to each unsuccessful applicant.

Q: Where can I get further information?

A: For further information, email us at go-fmglobaltechinnov@kpmg.com

About KPMG Private Enterprise

You know KPMG, you might not know KPMG Private Enterprise. KPMG Private Enterprise advisers in KPMG firms around the world are dedicated to working with you and your business, no matter where you are in your growth journey — whether you’re looking to reach new heights, embrace technology, plan for an exit, or manage the transition of wealth or your business to the next generation. You gain access to KPMG’s global resources through a single point of contact — a trusted adviser to your company. It is a local touch with a global reach.

The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Network for Emerging Giants has extensive knowledge and experience working with the startup ecosystem. Whether you are looking to establish your operations, raise capital, expand abroad, or simply comply with regulatory requirements — we can help. From seed to speed, we’re here throughout your journey.

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