A NEW ERA FOR THE GLOBAL STARTUP AWARDS
Edition 12 introduces a startup-only competition, an investor-led jury, thirteen new categories, and the return of the Global Grand Finale to Denmark.
For more than a decade, the Global Startup Awards has evolved alongside the entrepreneurial ecosystem it celebrates. As innovation has accelerated, so too has the competition, continuously adapting to recognise the founders, technologies, and ideas shaping the future.
Edition 12 marks the most significant evolution yet.
Launched on 7 May during the Global Grand Finale in Valletta, Malta, the new edition introduces a fundamentally reimagined competition. Startups now take centre stage through a startup-only format, thirteen future-focused categories, a redesigned jury model built entirely around investors, and the return of public voting. Together, these changes transform the competition into more than a celebration of entrepreneurship. They create a platform that brings founders, investors, and startup ecosystems closer together.
Alongside the launch came another milestone for the organisation. Beginning in 2027, the Global Grand Finale Days will return home to Denmark, with the prestigious Global Awards Ceremony taking place inside Copenhagen's iconic Circus Building.
A COMPETITION BUILT FOR THE STARTUP LANDSCAPE OF TODAY
The entrepreneurial landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade.
Startups are increasingly being built around specialised technologies and tackling complex global challenges across artificial intelligence, climate, healthcare, cybersecurity, aerospace, agriculture, and advanced engineering. As the ecosystem has evolved, so too has the need for recognition that reflects where innovation is happening today.
That thinking sits at the heart of Edition 12.
For the first time, the Global Startup Awards competition focuses exclusively on startups.
The new format creates a sharper spotlight on the founders and companies developing technologies with the potential to transform industries, improve societies, and address some of the world's most pressing challenges.
THIRTEEN FRESH CATEGORIES
Rather than organising the competition around broad industries, Edition 12 introduces categories that mirror the technologies and sectors driving global innovation.
The thirteen competition categories are:
Best AI-First Startup
Best AirTech Startup
Best Agritech Startup
Best Cybersecurity Startup
Best DeepTech Startup
Best Defence Tech Startup (Europe only)
Best Fintech Startup
Best GreenTech Startup
Best Health Tech Startup
Best Maritime Tech Startup
Best Newcomer
Best Space Tech Startup
Best SportsTech Startup
Each category has been carefully designed to recognise startups pushing the boundaries of innovation within their respective fields.
Artificial intelligence now has a dedicated category recognising companies where AI forms the very foundation of the business. DeepTech celebrates breakthrough technologies rooted in advanced science and engineering, while sectors such as GreenTech, Health Tech, Maritime Tech, and Agritech acknowledge the growing importance of sustainable and impact-driven innovation.
Emerging industries such as Space Tech, AirTech, and Defence Tech also reflect areas attracting increasing investment and strategic attention worldwide, while Best Newcomer provides early-stage startups with the opportunity to gain international recognition at the beginning of their journey.
Together, the categories create a competition that reflects the technologies defining tomorrow's economy.
A NEW VALUE-CREATING GLOBAL JURY MODEL
Edition 12 introduces another important progression.
From this year onward, the global jury will consist exclusively of investors.
The new jury structure is designed to create a stronger exchange of value for everyone involved in the competition.
For startups, every application becomes more than an opportunity to win an award. Founders are presenting their companies directly to experienced investors who actively back innovative businesses and understand what it takes to scale globally.
For investors, the competition offers something equally valuable: access to a pipeline of ambitious startups that have already progressed through a structured evaluation process across multiple countries and regions.
Rather than relying solely on traditional deal sourcing, investors gain an early look at pre-vetted companies operating at the forefront of emerging technologies.
The result is a competition that not only recognises excellence but also creates meaningful opportunities for connections, conversations, and future investment.
As startup ecosystems continue to mature, creating tangible outcomes beyond trophies becomes increasingly important. The new jury model reflects that ambition by bringing capital and innovation closer together within the competition itself.
PUBLIC VOTING RETURNS
Alongside the expert investor jury, one of the competition's most engaging features also returns.
Public voting once again gives communities, customers, supporters, and startup ecosystems around the world the opportunity to champion the founders they believe deserve global recognition.
Entrepreneurship has always been driven by communities as much as individuals. Public voting celebrates that reality by inviting ecosystems everywhere to become part of the journey.
THE ROAD LEADS HOME TO DENMARK
While Edition 12 has only just begun, the Global Startup Awards is already looking ahead to another exciting milestone.
Beginning in 2027, the Global Grand Finale Days will return to Denmark, bringing the global startup community together in Copenhagen.
At the heart of the celebration will be the Global Awards Ceremony, hosted inside the historic Circus Building. One of Denmark's most recognisable venues, the Circus Building provides a fitting stage for celebrating founders whose ideas are shaping industries across the globe.
Returning the Grand Finale to Denmark also reflects the country's long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and international collaboration. As the birthplace of the Global Startup Awards, Denmark offers a natural setting for welcoming entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem leaders, and partners from every participating region.
A NEW CHAPTER
Edition 12 represents a new chapter for the Global Startup Awards.
By focusing exclusively on startups, introducing technology-led competition categories, creating an investor-only jury, bringing back public voting, and announcing the return of the Global Grand Finale Days to Denmark, the organisation is aligning the competition with the realities of today's global innovation landscape.
Recognition remains at its core, but the ambition extends further.
The competition is designed not only to celebrate exceptional startups, but also to connect them with investors, strengthen ecosystems, and create opportunities that continue long after the awards have been presented.
Nominations are fully open, so make sure to nominate a deserving startup and/or founder in your region here: https://www.globalstartupawards.com/competition-portal-edition-12