KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition

1,300+ applicants globally

Months of pitch events

21 regional pitch competitions

1 final global pitch event

Now in its sixth year, the competition seeks to bring together the brightest minds in technology innovations. If you’re ready to demonstrate how your technology can make a difference in the world, this could be your moment – to challenge the status quo, introduce tech solutions through your own unique lens and open up a window to the future.

At KPMG Private Enterprise, we’re committed to discovering and supporting tech entrepreneurs who are working hard to have a positive impact on the future. If you’ve created a tech breakthrough or a new tech-enabled solution that you believe can make a difference in the world, entering the Global Tech Innovator Competition can help you transform that bold vision into a reality among national and global industry experts, investors and potential business partners.

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

Alan Barr

Alan Barr

Partner - Head of Private Enterprise

KPMG in South Africa

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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.

If you’re interested in joining the 2026 Global Tech Innovator competition, we invite you to apply and showcase your innovation on a global stage.

Conor Moore

Global Head of KPMG Private Enterprise, KPMG International

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

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.