Are you ready to compete with
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!
Last year's winner Rebaba featured on the Nasdaq sign at Times Square
There’s a lot in it for you
We believe, that if you’re a tech innovator and entrepreneur, this competition is an ideal platform to profile your business. The potential benefits if you take the opportunity to compete include:
Join a community of tech innovators who are turning their bold ambitions into a reality.
About the Swedish competition
When: Thursday, May 28th
Where: KPMG Head Office, Vasagatan 16, Stockholm
The application closes April 19
Our jury
Anna Ljungdahl,
Senior Investment Director at Industrifonden
Sara Rywe,
General Partner at byFounders
Paula Runsten,
Co-founder and CEO of Rebaba
Finn Persson,
Partner & Co-founder Spintop Ventures
Joakim Båge,
Revvr Senior Advisor, Investor Relation
Mathias Arvidsson,
CEO KPMG Sweden
Hear from previous winners
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 Sweden
- Have been actively operating for 7 years or less (in the current form).
- Have raised at least 5 MSEK in equity or generate a revenue between 10–150 MSEK.
- 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 the country final event in Stockholm on May 28, 2026.
- 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, to be hosted during Web Summit in November 2026 (Lisbon).
Application criteria
How do I know if my company qualifies?
Q: Who can apply?
A: Any technology entrepreneur that has operated for seven (A) 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. Link from Meridian West
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
Countries Participating in the 2026 Global Tech Innovator Competition
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.
