From AI accelerators to women-led impact awards and million-dollar pitch competitions, this week we spotlight five must-see startup opportunities across Africa, MENA, Turkey, the USA, and beyond. These online, hybrid, and on-site programs offer equity-free funding, global exposure, mentorship, and expert training. Whether you’re building in deep tech, sustainability, or social impact, these accelerators and competitions provide the capital, tools, and networks to help you scale. If you’re a founder ready for your next big leap, these are the ones to watch.
By SWB Team
1. Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First (MENA & Turkey)
If you’re building an AI-driven startup in MENA or Turkey, the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First could be your launchpad to scale. This ten-week, equity-free hybrid program is tailored for seed-to-Series A startups and provides exclusive access to Google’s global network of AI experts, product support, and strategic mentoring.
Selected founders receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, early access to new tools, and hands-on technical collaboration with Google’s top engineers to tackle core development challenges. To qualify, startups must show solid traction, have a scalable business model rooted in AI or machine learning, and demonstrate strong technical leadership, with active participation from the CTO or AI lead. Apply before the deadline on June 16, 2025.
Apply now and unlock the next level for your startup.
2. Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition 2025 — All of Africa
Are you an African entrepreneur creating meaningful change in your community? The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition 2025 is your chance to gain recognition, funding, and strategic support on a continental scale.
Open to entrepreneurs across all African countries, sectors, and age groups, ABH is more than just a pitch competition—it’s a transformational platform designed to identify and elevate Africa’s most impactful business leaders.
Ten finalists will compete in the Grand Finale for a share of $1.5 million in grant funding, with individual prizes ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. In addition to the financial boost, winners benefit from high-profile media exposure, tailored training in key business areas, mentorship from global business leaders, and lifelong access to an elite pan-African entrepreneurial network. Eligible applicants must be founders or co-founders of businesses that are formally registered, based in Africa, and have at least three years of proven market traction.
Applications close on May 23, 2025.
Apply now and become Africa’s next big entrepreneur with ABH 2025!
3. Startup Battlefield 200—TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 (USA)
Step onto the world stage with Startup Battlefield 200, TechCrunch’s premier pitch competition for early-stage startups. Held during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco (October 27–29), this zero-cost opportunity offers 200 game-changing startups the chance to pitch in front of elite investors, media, and tech leaders — with one winner walking away with a $100,000 equity-free prize.
Selected founders receive a free exhibition booth, four complimentary passes, a 2-minute pitch slot on the Showcase Stage, access to exclusive networking events, press coverage, and valuable lead generation tools. Past Battlefield alumni include iconic names like Dropbox, Trello, and Discord — proof of the platform’s power to catapult early-stage companies to global visibility. To qualify, startups should have a minimum viable product (MVP), be pre-seed to seed stage (or Series A in capital-intensive sectors), and be building truly disruptive solutions with minimal prior press exposure.
4. Cartier Women’s Initiative—Regional Awards 2026
Empowering women to lead and scale impact-driven businesses, the Cartier Women’s Initiative—Regional Awards is a global program recognizing outstanding female entrepreneurs tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.
Open to women-led, for-profit businesses across all sectors and regions, this opportunity awards grants of up to $100,000 and provides a yearlong fellowship program offering personalized mentorship, executive coaching, and leadership training—including an in-person session at INSEAD.
Beyond financial capital, fellows benefit from international media exposure, strategic business support, and access to a vibrant community of over 500 global women impact leaders. To qualify, applicants must be women founders or co-founders in an early-stage business that has been operational for 1–6 years, generating revenue, and contributing to at least one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. English proficiency and a commitment to participate in the full 2026 program are required.
5. SLINGSHOT 2025—Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition—Singapore
Ready to pitch your startup on a global stage and fast-track your breakthrough innovation? SLINGSHOT 2025, one of the world’s largest deep tech startup competitions, invites entrepreneurs from all over the globe to compete for over S$2 million in grant prizes and the chance to be named among the Top 60 Global Startups.
Hosted in Singapore during SWITCH 2025 (October 29–31), this high-stakes competition spans sectors such as digital tech, health and biomedical, advanced manufacturing, connectivity, and green technologies. Finalists will gain access to a dynamic startup immersion program featuring corporate site visits, lab tours, investor networking, and co-innovation opportunities with global leaders. Winners can also receive rent-free workspace at JTC LaunchPad for up to 18 months and funding grants up to $400,000. SLINGSHOT is more than just a pitch—it’s a launchpad to scale globally from Singapore’s thriving tech ecosystem.
Registration is now open until July 11, 2025.
Apply now and pitch your way into Asia’s premier startup spotlight.