• 1,300+ applicants globally
      • Months of pitch events
      • 21 regional pitch competitions
      • 1 final global pitch event

      The 21 regional winners of the 2025 KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition take the stage to compete in the final pitch event during Web Summit

      Now in its fifth year, the Global Tech Innovator competition is designed to identify fast-growing, innovative companies that have developed tech breakthroughs and tech-enabled solutions. Not only do they challenge the status quo, but they also have the potential to make a difference in the world.

      With more than 1,300 applicants and months of regional pitch events in 2025, the finalists from 21 nations are competing in a live pitch event hosted on the Web Summit stage in Lisbon where this year’s global winner will be chosen.

      We invite you to learn about these 21 finalists in AI, FinTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech (and more) and their tech innovations that could be poised to transform industries and scale globally.


      Register for the Global Tech Innovator 2026 competition.


      Meet this year’s regional winners

      Brazil

      O2eco

      O2eco is a Brazilian environmental-tech company delivering smart de-watering and water regeneration solutions that cut sludge hauling, chemical use and CO₂ through a revolutionary technology for water decontamination.

      Founder, Luís Fernando Magalhaes has more than 25 years of leadership in business strategy, ESG and innovation, and he drives O2eco’s mission to deliver award-winning environmental solutions with major corporations and global sustainability programs.

      The company creates strategies for the water treatment sector by mapping new technologies developed in different parts of the world. Each of these technologies is technically, scientifically and commercially adapted to meet the needs of different markets with the best cost-benefit ratio.

      Colombia

      Salva Health

      Salva Health is a female-led deep tech company with the mission of saving lives through preventative health innovation. The company develops accessible technologies for the prevention and early detection of diseases in under-served markets.

      Salva’s first product, Julieta, analyzes breast tissue behavior and, together with each woman’s risk factors, helps to prioritize whether a complementary exam is required. The company is operating in Colombia where it has obtained certification and approval from regulatory bodies such as the National Institute of Food and Drug Surveillance (INVIMA), allowing it to be scaled within the country’s national healthcare system with further expansion plans in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and the US, where additional regulatory approval applications are underway.

      Mexico

      Microendo

      Microendo is the first supplier and developer using the plant's microbiota to develop safe and harmonious biofertilizers for each specific crop and for the environment. Its mission is to recover the microbiota of the plant and recover the health of crops to obtain more organic and sustainable food production.

      Microbiota are the communities of microorganisms that live inside and outside the plant and are used for product development, enabling the development of an organic and specific product for the crop that delivers better results than common biofertilizers, gives health to the plants and sequesters CO₂  in the soil. It reduces chemical fertilizers by up to 70% and increases yields by up to 30%.

      United States

      CARPL

      CARPL is an AI platform that allows healthcare providers, academic medical centers and diagnostic groups to access, assess and integrate AI radiology solutions in their clinical practices.

      It is the only FDA-cleared radiology AI platform and the world’s largest marketplace with 175+ AI applications across 75+ AI vendors, and it enables radiologists to view, annotate, accept, reject or modify AI outputs to improve clinical efficiency, increase diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient care without disrupting existing workflows.


      Austria

      enspired

      enspired has pioneered automated energy trading and cross-market battery storage optimization across Europe. Its advanced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technical infrastructure runs on billions of data points, AI, machine learning and reinforcement learning. The platform is operated in-house, making it highly flexible in adapting to new markets and changing market conditions.

      As the first – and only – BESS optimizer with  published portfolio performance, enspired is tackling the lack of monetary transparency in the industry by granting insight into real, independently confirmed revenues.

      Estonia

      ÄIO

      ÄIO is a biotech startup that uses precision fermentation to consume sugars from industrial by-products, such as sawdust and agricultural residues to produce fats and oils. Palm oil and many traditional oils are linked to deforestation, high land and water use, greenhouse gas emissions. ÄIO’s model has the potential to reduce those impacts significantly, and help industries (such as food and cosmetics) to meet increasing sustainability and regulatory requirements.

      Finland

      Flow Computing

      Flow Computing is rethinking how CPUs work. By boosting their speed and efficiency with the development of a Parallel Processing Unit (PPU), many kinds of computing – especially parallel work such as AI, cloud and edge computing  – can run much faster.

      The company’s PPU is a licensable IP block that integrates directly into a CPU chip that is compatible with all existing architectures and enables the next generation of CPUs to deliver significant gains in managing time, energy consumption and costs.

      Germany

      traceless® materials

      traceless® materials develops and produces innovative, plastic-free biomaterials from agricultural waste, providing fully bio-based home compostable products that are sustainable alternatives to plastics.

      traceless® materials will never become plastic waste, and are guaranteed not to contribute to plastic pollution. Instead, they can be composted and turned into nutrients for new plants to grow in a closed biological cycle, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, avoid potentially harmful chemicals and prevent deforestation. The company’s patented, scalable technology significantly reduces environmental impact, with a lifecycle assessment showing 91% lower carbon emissions and 80% less fossil energy use compared to conventional plastics.


      Ireland

      Akara

      Akara is a vertically integrated automated platform that helps hospitals to boost operating room productivity – often one of the most expensive and under-utilized hospital resources.  By combining advanced sensing, AI and robotics, the company’s end-to-end technology platform enables hospitals to reclaim operating room time, reduce staff burdens and increase surgical throughput with minimal disruption.

      The platform is built on two patented core technologies: 1) AI-powered thermal sensors that collect real-time workflow data without cameras, enabling privacy-compliant, automated documentation, saving hours of administrative time ; and 2) the first autonomous, clinical-grade UV robot that autonomously disinfects operating rooms, cutting staff turnover time and allowing extended after-hours cleaning.

      Netherlands

      The Selection Lab

      The Selection Lab is on a mission to use software and technology to make hiring more fair, objective and efficient – and with less bias. The company specializes in AI-powered, scientifically validated assessments designed to objectively measure candidates' soft skills, cognitive abilities and cultural fit.

      The Selection Lab platform helps to streamline the hiring process by offering tools that are user-friendly and easily integrated with existing HR software. An AI assistant analyzes candidate profiles and compares them against benchmarks, enabling recruiters to identify patterns and predict long-term success.

      Portugal

      Ethiack

      Ethiack combines agentic penetration testing supported by human insight to continuously uncover, validate and prioritize real risks, act fast and reduce exposure, 24/7. By conducting authorized, simulated cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications before malicious attackers can exploit them.

      Sweden

      Rebaba

      Rebaba helps buildings and industries lower energy costs, increase efficiency in daily operations  and unlock new revenue streams by balancing renewable energy with circular battery systems made from EV batteries. This saves tons of CO2, enables more renewables and eases the strain on the planet’s resources.

      Electric vehicle batteries are upcycled into high-quality battery systems and engineered for a second life. Every system is powered by rigorous testing , leading edge cooling technology and local, reliable expertise.


      UK

      Inicio AI

      Inicio AI is a Fintech B2B software platform with a specially trained virtual agent that guides consumers and their financial advisors through detailed affordability assessments using conversational AI.​

      A virtual agent named “Budgie” guides consumers through the income and expenditure process, making it less stressful, faster, more accurate, compliant, and more private (because users don’t need to speak with human agents for much of the process). For consumers, it reduces the emotional and psychological burden of dealing with finances and debt in a private, guided process. For organizations, it increases operational efficiency and cost savings by automating the income and expenditure data collection process.

      India

      StepOut

      StepOut is a sports performance analysis and digital ecosystem startup. It helps players and teams to improve their performance and identify talent through data and video analysis.​ It also helps coaches unlock player potential and give teams a competitive edge by turning every match into actionable insights from grassroots to the elite level.

      Traditional match and performance analysis is manual, time-consuming and error-prone, with coaches, clubs and analysts often spending hours to produce useful insights. As a result, players often don’t get good feedback or data about their current and past performance. StepOut helps identify talent early, improves scouting and identifies development opportunities for players.

      East Africa

      Zendawa

      Zendawa is a pioneering Kenyan Healthtech startup aiming to transform access to healthcare by digitizing neighbourhood pharmacies across Africa. They provide tools for online sales, stock/finance management, and tele-pharmacy services. Utilizing AI for credit scoring and supply chain solutions, Zendawa helps small pharmacies access working capital and improve operations. Their platform offers a patient marketplace for medicine orders, a digital suite for pharmacy management, and embedded financial services.

      In partnership with Microsoft and tech‑firm Flapmax, Zendawa has launched AI‑powered solutions which link orders to nearby pharmacies, optimise supply‑chain forecasting and help pharmacies unlock capital via their performance data. As of mid‑2024, the company serves around 520 pharmacies and aims to reach 10,000 by the end of the year, underscoring ambitious scale objectives.

      Saudi Arabia

      NanoPalm

      NanoPalm specializes in the development nanoparticle-based drug delivery platforms for nanomedicines to target a wide range of diseases, including therapies for rare genetic diseases, with the aim of also making treatments more accessible by lowering costs and simplifying administration.​

      The company has developed Ensalix, an AI platform that leverages machine learning to optimize gene delivery formulations with safer, more effective lipid nanoparticle (LNP) compositions for gene therapy drawn from a library of 800,000 nanoparticles.

      Southern Africa

      Altify

      Altify is a regulated alternative investment platform that makes investing in tokenized private market opportunities as easy as buying shares. Its goal is to democratize access to alternative investments such as cryptocurrency, private credit, real estate and collectibles – without the conventional high-minimum requirements or complexity.

      Many of these investments are generally available only to high-net-worth individuals or institutions. But Altify wants to open them up to everyday investors who can participate with relatively limited capital, lowering the exclusion of people with modest means. The company is currently serving over 80,000 investors across the EU and South Africa.


      Türkiye

      Werover

      Werover is a technology company specializing in AI-driven health monitoring systems for wind turbines, helping energy operators reduce maintenance costs and maximize uptime. Its flagship product, Windrover, uses acoustic IoT sensors and advanced machine learning algorithms to continuously detect and predict blade damages with high accuracy.​

      Founded in 2018, Werover operates across Türkiye, Germany, Qatar, and the UK, serving major energy companies and partners across Europe and the Middle East. By combining data intelligence with renewable energy expertise, Werover aims to make wind energy production more reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable.

      UAE

      Electrogenos

      Electrogenos is revolutionizing green hydrogen production by addressing three major barriers: cost, deployment speed and supply chain resilience. The company’s high-performance, cost-effective electrolyser stacks integrate seamlessly into broader hydrogen systems, achieving over 98 percent efficiency and a 30–50 percent reduction in the cost of green hydrogen production – making it less costly than fossil-based alternatives.

      The heart of the Electrogenos technology is a proprietary catalyst that delivers 2X the activity of platinum and 4-6X the activity of Raney nickel, at only 1/50th the cost of platinum. This breakthrough unlocks green hydrogen for applications across hard-to-abate sectors including cement and steel, agriculture via green ammonia, heavy transport and energy storage.

      Japan

      Rhinoflux

      Rhinoflux is helping to redefine the future of power generation by unlocking the world’s biomass – an abundant and reliable clean energy source, limited by the high cost of traditional electricity generation methods. Through proprietary chemical reactions, the Rhinoflux breakthrough technology generates electricity from biomass at less than half the cost of current approaches.

      The process also produces 99.9 percent pure biogenic CO₂, transforming a byproduct into a valuable new revenue stream. The core innovation is rooted in advanced reaction engineering based on groundbreaking research at Kyoto University, one of Japan's top universities.

      Philippines

      Betterteem AI®

      Betterteem AI® collects and digests millions of employee sentiments and data to help leaders improve the employee experience and increase retention. With actionable insights into what drives employee resignations and the likelihood of employees leaving their jobs, employers are able to take proactive steps to mitigate unwanted employee resignations.

      Betterteem AI® helps employers to examine employee feedback and other unstructured data and gain valuable insights into employee perceptions of their organization. By monitoring changes in employees’ experiences, they are able to assess the potential risk of unwanted employee resignations.


      We introduced the KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition to 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.

      This year’s finalists are continuing to lead the charge, with the brightest minds driving innovation across AI, FinTech, Health/Wellness Tech, Energy and Utilities, HR and recruitment. These emerging technologies aren’t just shaping industries – they’re charting the course for the future – and it’s exciting to see how the finalists are turning their bold ideas into real-world solutions that can transform lives.

      If you’re interested in joining the 2026 Global Tech Innovator competition, we encourage you to follow their lead.

      Conor Moore

      Global Head of KPMG Private Enterprise, KPMG International


      Interested in competiting in 2026? There’s a lot in it for you

      If you’re a tech innovator and entrepreneur, this competition is an ideal platform to showcase your business to a wide and influential audience. It may even be the key to unlocking your next big breakthrough.

      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 professionalsinvestors, 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 a 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 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

      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 2025. 

      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.

      Our people

      Lindsay Hull

      Senior Director, KPMG Private Enterprise, Emerging Giants Network

      KPMG International

      Conor Moore

      Global Head of KPMG Private Enterprise

      United States