The Startup Ecosystem Awards 2026

The Startup Ecosystem Awards Winners 2026

The 2026 edition of the Startup Ecosystem Awards took place on 23 September 2026 at ICT Week Uzbekistan and was followed by an online ceremony on 30 September 2026, celebrating the achievements of ecosystems in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. In determining the award categories, we analyzed performance at the global, regional, and national levels, as well as across industries, functional categories, and business environment pillars.

The winners announced at ICT Week Uzbekistan and at the online ceremony are listed below, grouped by award type.

Country Growth Awards

These awards go to the national startup ecosystems that grew fastest this year, globally and within their regions.

Uzbekistan: Fastest-Growing Startup Country in the World

Ecosystem: Uzbekistan | Segment: Global | Received by: IT Park Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is the fastest-growing startup country in the world this year, with ecosystem growth of 227.3%. Beyond this remarkable growth, Uzbekistan had an exceptional year in the Index: seven new cities entered the ranking for the first time, and Tashkent emerged as the leading startup city in Central Asia. Together, these achievements make Uzbekistan StartupBlink’s Country of the Year.

Singapore: Fastest-Growing Startup Country Among the Global Top 10

Ecosystem: Singapore | Segment: Global Top 10 | Received by: Enterprise Singapore

Recognizing Singapore as the fastest-growing startup country among the Global Top 10. Singapore’s population-adjusted total GSEI score rose 24.4% between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the highest growth rate among the world’s 10 highest-ranked national startup ecosystems. The award highlights Singapore’s ability to sustain rapid growth while competing with the world’s most established innovation economies.

Taiwan: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in East Asia

Ecosystem: Taiwan | Segment: East Asia | Received by: Startup Island Taiwan

Recognizing Taiwan as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in East Asia in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Taiwan grew 41.1%, the highest rate among all ranked East Asian national ecosystems, ahead of Mongolia at 31.6%, South Korea at 20.6%, and Japan at 10.7%. Taiwan also climbed five places to 20th globally.

Moldova: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in Europe

Ecosystem: Moldova | Segment: Europe | Received by: Startup Moldova

Recognizing Moldova as Europe’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem. Moldova’s population-adjusted total GSEI score rose 91.9% between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the highest growth rate in Europe and the third-highest worldwide. The result places Moldova among the world’s fastest-improving startup ecosystems.

Cyprus: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in the European Union

Ecosystem: Cyprus | Segment: European Union | Received by: Research and Innovation Foundation

Recognizing Cyprus as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the European Union. Cyprus’s population-adjusted total GSEI score rose 62.7% between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the highest growth rate among the EU’s 27 member states and nearly double Romania’s 32.9%. It is the third consecutive edition in which Cyprus has recorded the EU’s strongest ecosystem growth.

Latvia: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in the Baltics

Ecosystem: Latvia | Segment: Baltic Countries | Received by: Investment and Development Agency of Latvia

Recognizing Latvia as the fastest-growing national startup ecosystem in the Baltics in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Latvia grew 13.2%, ahead of Lithuania at 12.4% and Estonia at 8.8%, and now ranks 48th globally. The result stands out in a region where all three national ecosystems recorded growth this year.

Albania: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem Among Adriatic Countries

Ecosystem: Albania | Segment: Adriatic Countries | Received by: Startup Albania Agency

Recognizing Albania as the fastest-growing national startup ecosystem among the ranked Adriatic countries. Albania grew 71.1%, ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina at 69.4%, Italy at 25.4%, Slovenia at 18.1%, and Croatia at 2.1%. The strong growth lifted Albania to 75th in the global ranking.

North Macedonia: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in the Western Balkans

Ecosystem: North Macedonia | Segment: Western Balkans | Received by: Startup Macedonia

Recognizing North Macedonia as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the Western Balkans. North Macedonia grew 75.0% in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, ahead of every other ranked Western Balkan country, and climbed eight places to 70th globally.

City Growth Awards

These awards go to the cities that grew fastest among their regional or national peers.

Vilnius: Fastest-Growing Startup City in the Baltics

Ecosystem: Vilnius, Lithuania | Segment: Baltic Cities | Received by: Innovation Agency Lithuania

Recognizing Vilnius as the fastest-growing startup city in the Baltics in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Vilnius grew 19.7%, the highest rate among all ranked Baltic cities, narrowly ahead of Riga at 19.5% and Tartu at 18.5%. It also climbed three places to 66th globally, strengthening its position as one of the region’s leading startup hubs.

Sofia: Fastest-Growing Among the EU’s Top 25 Cities

Ecosystem: Sofia, Bulgaria | Segment: Among the EU’s Top 25 Cities | Received by: Sofia Tech Park

Recognizing Sofia as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem among the European Union’s 25 highest-ranked cities. Sofia recorded the highest growth in total GSEI score within this group between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index. The award recognizes Sofia’s exceptional year-over-year improvement and its strengthening position among Europe’s leading startup hubs.

Medellín: Fastest-Growing Among Latin America’s Top 10 Cities

Ecosystem: Medellín, Colombia | Segment: Among Latin America’s Top 10 Cities | Received by: Ruta N Medellín

Recognizing Medellín as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem among Latin America’s 10 highest-ranked cities. Medellín’s total GSEI score rose 31.1% between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the highest growth rate in this group. The award recognizes Medellín’s continued emergence as one of the region’s leading innovation ecosystems.

Niš: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in Serbia

Ecosystem: Niš, Serbia | Segment: Serbia | Received by: Science and Technology Park Niš

Recognizing Niš as Serbia’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem. Niš increased its total GSEI score by 36.0% between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, making it the only ranked Serbian city to improve its global position this year. The award recognizes the city’s strong momentum within Serbia’s startup landscape.

The Hague: Fastest-Growing Among the Netherlands’ Top 3 Cities

Ecosystem: The Hague, Netherlands | Segment: Among the Netherlands’ Top 3 Cities | Received by: Municipality of The Hague

Recognizing The Hague as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem among the Netherlands’ three highest-ranked cities in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. The Hague grew 5.8%, narrowly ahead of Amsterdam at 5.7% and Eindhoven at 1.7%. Outpacing Amsterdam, one of Europe’s leading startup hubs, The Hague now ranks 133rd globally.

Stavanger: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in Norway

Ecosystem: Stavanger, Norway | Segment: Norway | Received by: City of Stavanger

Recognizing Stavanger as Norway’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem. Stavanger’s total GSEI score rose 38.0% between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, making it the only ranked Norwegian ecosystem to improve its global position this year. The award recognizes Stavanger’s strong momentum among Norway’s leading startup ecosystems.

Ankara: Fastest-Growing Among Türkiye’s Top 3 Cities

Ecosystem: Ankara, Türkiye | Segment: Among Türkiye’s Top 3 Cities | Received by: Ankara Development Agency

Recognizing Ankara as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem among Türkiye’s three highest-ranked cities in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Ankara grew 69.8%, ahead of İzmir at 61.5% and İstanbul at 28.2%, and climbed 38 places to 206th globally.

Kingston: Fastest-Growing Among Canada’s Top 10 Cities

Ecosystem: Kingston, Canada | Segment: Among Canada’s Top 10 Cities | Received by: Kingston Economic Development Corporation

Recognizing Kingston as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem among Canada’s 10 highest-ranked cities. Kingston’s total GSEI score rose 19.1% between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the highest growth rate in this group. The result strengthens Kingston’s position among Canada’s leading startup hubs.

Cali: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in Colombia

Ecosystem: Cali, Colombia | Segment: Colombia | Received by: Cámara de Comercio de Cali

Recognizing Cali as Colombia’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem. Cali’s total GSEI score rose 104.3% between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the highest growth rate among Colombia’s ranked cities. The result positions Cali as one of the country’s fastest-rising innovation hubs.

Da Nang: Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in Vietnam

Ecosystem: Da Nang, Vietnam | Segment: Vietnam | Received by: Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center

Recognizing Da Nang as Vietnam’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem. Da Nang’s total GSEI score rose 154.0% between the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the highest growth rate among Vietnam’s ranked cities. The city also recorded the country’s largest climb in the global ranking, rising 212 places.

Davao City: Fastest-Growing Among the Philippines’ Top 3 Cities

Ecosystem: Davao City, Philippines | Segment: Among the Philippines’ Top 3 Cities | Received by: IDEAS Davao

Recognizing Davao City as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem among the Philippines’ three highest-ranked cities in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Davao City grew 11.7%, ahead of Manila at 2.3%. The result strengthens Davao City’s position among the country’s leading startup hubs.

Leadership Awards

These awards go to the strongest startup ecosystems in their region or country, measured by overall performance or total ecosystem value.

Germany: Most Valuable Startup Ecosystem in the European Union

Ecosystem: Germany | Segment: European Union | Received by: Germany Trade & Invest

Recognizing Germany as the most valuable startup ecosystem in the European Union. Germany’s startup ecosystem is valued at US$452.3 billion, ahead of France at US$369.9 billion and every other EU member state. Germany also ranks 7th globally in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index.

Brazil: Best Startup Ecosystem in Latin America & the Caribbean

Ecosystem: Brazil | Segment: Latin America & the Caribbean | Received by: Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI)

Recognizing Brazil as the best startup ecosystem in Latin America & the Caribbean. Brazil achieved the highest overall GSEI score among all eligible countries in the region, ranking first across the Index’s three core dimensions: startup quantity, startup quality, and business environment. It is Brazil’s sixth consecutive year as the region’s leading national startup ecosystem.

Bogotá: Runner-Up Startup Ecosystem in South America

Ecosystem: Bogotá, Colombia | Segment: South America | Received by: Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá

Recognizing Bogotá as South America’s second-highest-ranked startup ecosystem. Bogotá has held this position in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index every year since 2023, a record of remarkable consistency, and ranks 64th globally in 2026. It is also Colombia’s highest-ranked startup ecosystem.

Barcelona: Best Startup Ecosystem in Southern Europe

Ecosystem: Barcelona, Spain | Segment: Southern Europe | Received by: ACCIÓ (Agency for Business Competitiveness)

Recognizing Barcelona as the best startup ecosystem in Southern Europe. Barcelona achieved the highest overall GSEI score among all eligible city ecosystems in the region and ranks 32nd globally in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. The award reflects Southern Europe’s strongest overall startup ecosystem performance.

Toronto: Best Startup Ecosystem in Canada

Ecosystem: Toronto, Canada | Segment: Canada | Received by: Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC)

Recognizing Toronto as Canada’s best startup ecosystem. Toronto has led Canada since the Index was introduced and accounts for 32.2% of the country’s total startup activity. It ranks 18th globally and is the only Canadian ecosystem in the Global Top 40, reinforcing its position as the country’s leading startup hub.

Buenos Aires: Top Startup Ecosystem in Argentina

Ecosystem: Buenos Aires, Argentina | Segment: Argentina | Received by: Parque de Innovación de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Recognizing Buenos Aires as Argentina’s highest-ranked startup ecosystem in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Buenos Aires ranks 86th globally, well ahead of Córdoba at 228th, Rosario at 629th, and Mendoza at 755th. The margin underlines the city’s role as the center of Argentina’s startup activity.

Cagayan de Oro: Highest Ecosystem Value in Mindanao

Ecosystem: Cagayan de Oro, Philippines | Segment: Mindanao, Philippines | Received by: Department of Science and Technology – Northern Mindanao

Recognizing Cagayan de Oro for achieving the highest ecosystem value among Mindanao’s ranked startup ecosystems, ahead of Davao City and Iligan City. The city’s ecosystem also grew 20.7% this year, underlining its role as a leading startup hub in Mindanao.

Kazakhstan: Best Startup Ecosystem in Central Asia

Ecosystem: Kazakhstan | Segment: Central Asia | Received by: Astana Hub

Recognizing Kazakhstan as the best startup ecosystem in Central Asia. Kazakhstan achieved the highest overall GSEI score among all eligible Central Asian countries, ranking 71st globally with ecosystem growth of 26.5% this year. The award reflects the region’s strongest overall startup ecosystem performance.

Breakthrough Awards

These awards go to ecosystems that broke into a new tier of the global or regional ranking, or made the biggest long-term climbs.

Thailand: Global Top 50 Ecosystem Breakthrough

Ecosystem: Thailand | Segment: Global | Received by: National Innovation Agency (NIA) Thailand

Recognizing Thailand as the highest-ranked country to enter the Global Top 50 in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Thailand climbed four places to 49th globally, supported by 62.6% growth in its population-adjusted total GSEI score. The milestone reflects Thailand’s continued rise among the world’s leading startup ecosystems.

Ho Chi Minh City: Global Top 100 Ecosystem Breakthrough

Ecosystem: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Segment: Global | Received by: Startup and Innovation Hub of Ho Chi Minh City (SIHUB)

Recognizing Ho Chi Minh City for breaking into the Global Top 100 startup ecosystems in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. The city climbed 12 places, from 110th in 2025 to 98th in 2026, while its ecosystem grew 25.1%.

Daejeon: Global Top 300 Ecosystem Breakthrough

Ecosystem: Daejeon, South Korea | Segment: Global | Received by: Daejeon Center for Creative Economy & Innovation

Recognizing Daejeon for crossing the Global Top 300 threshold in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. Daejeon climbed 70 positions, from 366th to 296th, while its ecosystem grew 75.6%. The jump places South Korea’s science and research hub among the world’s 300 highest-ranked startup cities for the first time.

İstanbul: Breakthrough into the Europe Top 10

Ecosystem: İstanbul, Türkiye | Segment: Europe | Received by: İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Recognizing İstanbul for entering Europe’s Top 10 startup ecosystems for the first time in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. İstanbul rose to 9th in Europe and 45th globally, securing its highest-ever regional position. The milestone highlights İstanbul’s continued rise as one of Europe’s leading centers for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Namibia: Biggest Five-Year Rank Climb in Southern Africa

Ecosystem: Namibia | Segment: Southern Africa | Received by: Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB)

Recognizing Namibia for achieving the greatest five-year climb in the global ranking among Southern African countries. Namibia rose five places, from 99th in 2021 to 94th in 2026, and its ecosystem grew 8.2% this year. The award recognizes Namibia’s steady, sustained progress in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index.

Ecosystem Strength Awards

These awards go to ecosystems that excel in the building blocks of a startup ecosystem: community, support infrastructure, international attractiveness, and a track record of global success.

Seoul: Best Startup Support Ecosystem in Asia Pacific

Ecosystem: Seoul, South Korea | Segment: Asia Pacific | Received by: Seoul Business Agency (SBA)

Recognizing Seoul as Asia Pacific’s leading startup support ecosystem. Seoul achieved the highest Startup Support score among 295 eligible city ecosystems in Asia Pacific and ranks 4th globally in the category. The award recognizes Seoul’s exceptional startup support infrastructure, reflecting the strength of its accelerators, coworking spaces, universities, and investor network.

Berlin: Best Community-Driven Ecosystem in the European Union

Ecosystem: Berlin, Germany | Segment: European Union | Received by: Berlin Partner for Business and Technology

Recognizing Berlin as the European Union’s most active startup community. Berlin ranked 1st among 427 eligible EU city ecosystems in the GSEI Startup Community Activity category. The award recognizes Berlin’s exceptional strength in entrepreneurship events, startup meetups, founder engagement, and ecosystem networking.

Portugal: Most Attractive Startup Ecosystem in Southern Europe

Ecosystem: Portugal | Segment: Southern Europe | Received by: Startup Portugal

Recognizing Portugal as Southern Europe’s top-ranked country in the GSEI Ecosystem Attractiveness category. Portugal’s result reflects strong international appeal, driven by multinational R&D presence, institutional credibility, and accessibility. Portugal also ranks 31st globally in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index.

Slovenia: Best Community-Driven Ecosystem in the Balkans

Ecosystem: Slovenia | Segment: Balkans | Received by: SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency

Recognizing Slovenia as the leading startup community in the Balkans. Slovenia ranked 1st among 10 eligible Balkan countries in the GSEI Startup Community Activity category. The award recognizes Slovenia’s vibrant startup community, reflecting exceptional strength in entrepreneurship events, founder networking, ecosystem engagement, and community collaboration.

Kraków: Best Community-Driven Ecosystem in Poland

Ecosystem: Kraków, Poland | Segment: Poland | Received by: Municipality of Kraków

Recognizing Kraków as Poland’s leading startup community. Kraków ranked 1st among 17 eligible Polish city ecosystems in the GSEI Startup Community Activity category, ahead of Warsaw, the country’s highest-ranked ecosystem overall. The award recognizes Kraków’s outstanding startup community, reflecting exceptional strength in entrepreneurship events, founder networking, and ecosystem engagement.

Milan: Best Startup Track Record in Southern Europe

Ecosystem: Milan, Italy | Segment: Southern Europe | Received by: InnovUp

Recognizing Milan as having the best startup track record in Southern Europe. Milan achieved the highest score among eligible Southern European city ecosystems in the GSEI Ecosystem Maturity category, which measures an ecosystem’s long-term capacity to produce globally successful companies. Its indicators include unicorns, billion-dollar exits, listed technology companies, Y Combinator-backed startups, and globally influential ecosystem organizations.

Industry Awards

These awards go to ecosystems with standout strength in a specific industry, measured globally or against their overall startup ecosystem ranking.

Tokyo: Top 3% Startup Ecosystem for Artificial Intelligence Worldwide

Ecosystem: Tokyo, Japan | Segment: Global | Received by: Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Recognizing Tokyo as one of the world’s leading startup ecosystems for Artificial Intelligence. Tokyo ranks 10th globally in the industry out of 350 ecosystems that qualified for an industry-level ranking, placing it in the top 3% of AI startup ecosystems worldwide. The award reinforces Tokyo’s position among the world’s leading hubs for AI innovation and entrepreneurship.

Armenia: Strongest Artificial Intelligence Overperformance in Eurasia

Ecosystem: Armenia | Segment: Eurasia | Received by: Enterprise Armenia

Recognizing Armenia’s notable specialization in Artificial Intelligence. Armenia ranks 51st globally in the industry, four places higher than its overall startup ecosystem ranking of 55th. The award highlights Armenia’s ability to outperform its broader ecosystem position in AI, and its growing relevance in artificial intelligence innovation across Eurasia.

Ukraine: Strongest Web Development Overperformance in Europe

Ecosystem: Ukraine | Segment: Europe | Received by: Ukrainian Startup Fund

Recognizing Ukraine for Europe’s strongest specialization in Web Development. Ukraine ranks 22nd globally and 12th in Europe in the industry, 21 places above its overall startup ecosystem ranking of 43rd. The award highlights a distinctive competitive strength and a strong concentration of technical talent in the field.

Baku: Strongest Gaming Overperformance in Europe

Ecosystem: Baku, Azerbaijan | Segment: Europe | Received by: Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA)

Recognizing Baku for Europe’s strongest specialization in Gaming. Baku ranks 96th globally in the industry, an exceptional 212 places above its overall startup ecosystem ranking. No other European ecosystem records a comparable level of overperformance in Gaming, highlighting Baku’s distinctive competitive strength and unusually concentrated industry specialization.

Wrocław: Medtech Leadership Award in Poland

Ecosystem: Wrocław, Poland | Segment: Poland | Received by: Startup Wrocław

Recognizing Wrocław as Poland’s leading Medtech startup ecosystem. Wrocław ranks 28th globally in the industry, an exceptional 136 places above its overall startup ecosystem ranking, and is the only Polish ecosystem to meet the startup threshold for a global Medtech ranking. The award recognizes Wrocław’s distinctive specialization and competitive strength in Medtech innovation.

Business Environment Awards

Based on the Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI), these awards go to the countries offering the most favorable conditions for founders and innovative businesses.

Bulgaria: Best Business Incentives in the European Union

Ecosystem: Bulgaria | Segment: European Union | Received by: Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA)

Recognizing Bulgaria as providing the European Union’s strongest business incentives for innovators. Bulgaria achieved the highest score among the EU’s 27 member states in the IBEI Business Incentives pillar, which evaluates startup funding availability, taxation, market size, access to credit, lending conditions, and trade openness. The result makes Bulgaria the EU’s most favorable financial environment for founders to establish, operate, and scale innovative businesses.

Kyrgyzstan: Best Taxation Environment for Innovators in Asia Pacific

Ecosystem: Kyrgyzstan | Segment: Asia Pacific | Received by: High Technology Park (HTP) of the Kyrgyz Republic

Recognizing Kyrgyzstan as Asia Pacific’s highest-ranked startup ecosystem for taxation conditions in the 2026 Innovators Business Environment Index. Kyrgyzstan ranks 1st in the region in the Taxation category, which measures the tax-related conditions affecting startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation-driven businesses.

Uruguay: Strongest Business Reputation in Latin America & the Caribbean

Ecosystem: Uruguay | Segment: Latin America & the Caribbean | Received by: Fundación da Vinci

Recognizing Uruguay as having the strongest business reputation in Latin America & the Caribbean. Uruguay ranked 1st among 19 eligible countries in the IBEI Business Reputation category, achieving the region’s highest score for institutional credibility and business confidence. The award recognizes Uruguay as the region’s most trusted environment for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovative businesses.