Competition format & key facts
Organized detailsOverview
Applications are open through 5 October 2026 for the Startup World Cup Yaoundé regional competition at CITS26, with ten finalists selected to pitch on 17 October at Palais des Congrès.
Complete competition details
The Lion's Den regional competition accepts startup applications from 4 September through 5 October, announces ten finalists on 10 October and holds the final pitch on 17 October from 09:00 to 12:00. The organizer says there is no application fee. Startups may apply regardless of location, with emphasis on Cameroon, Central Africa and the diaspora. The regional winner advances to the Startup World Cup programme in San Francisco, receives a return economy flight for one representative and a Mountain Hub incubation place. The organizer references the global Startup World Cup investment prize, but that global amount is not presented here as a guaranteed regional award.
Eligibility requirements
Startups may apply regardless of location. The organizer seeks companies with a working product or solution, real customers or commercial traction and credible growth potential; pitches may be delivered in English or French while slides must be in English.
Tips for this competition
Practical Job and Scholarship guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Study the scoring criteria and previous winners before deciding what evidence, prototype, essay, research or portfolio will best support the entry.
- Confirm country, age, team, education and organization restrictions and whether one person may enter multiple submissions.
- Follow the required file format, word/time limits and naming rules exactly; technical non-compliance can disqualify a strong entry.
- Keep proof of submission and submit before the deadline rather than relying on the final hour.
Verification notes
The official CITS26 Startup World Cup page states applications 4 September–5 October 2026, ten finalists announced 10 October, final on 17 October 09:00–12:00, no application fee, and the listed winner benefits. The global USD 1 million Startup World Cup investment prize is not treated as guaranteed to the Yaoundé regional winner.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
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