A Global Initiative

One Million Startups

Powering the next global innovation economies across Africa, Asia, MENA and emerging markets.

Africa Asia MENA Emerging Markets

A system-level platform designed to help startups launch, validate, grow and scale globally — through connected ecosystems, hubs, capital pathways and strategic partnerships.

1M Long-term startup ambition
250K 2026–2031 engagement target
$500M+ 2026–2031 New economic value created
Why it exists

The global innovation gap

Startups in emerging markets face structural barriers to scaling globally: fragmented ecosystems, limited access to capital, weak cross-border pathways and uneven support infrastructure.

Mission

To enable one million startups from emerging and frontier markets to launch, validate, grow and scale globally, while strengthening local ecosystems and powering the next generation of innovation economies.

How it works

By connecting local startup ecosystems to global markets through a coordinated platform that integrates talent development, startup support, innovation hubs, capital access and policy collaboration.

Connecting startups, founders and ecosystems from emerging markets to the global economy
Five integrated pillars

A system approach to startup ecosystems

The initiative is designed as an interconnected model where talent, startups, hubs, capital and policy work together as one ecosystem architecture.

Talent

Develop entrepreneurial, digital and leadership skills for globally competitive founders and ecosystem builders.

Startups

Support founders from onboarding and validation to product-market fit, local traction and global expansion.

Hubs

Connect local innovation ecosystems through a network of city hubs linked to global markets and partnerships.

Capital

Build structured pathways to investment, venture capital, development finance and market-ready capital access.

Policy

Engage governments and institutions to strengthen innovation frameworks and reduce ecosystem friction.

How it works

A clear startup progression model

Startups move through structured phases, supported by local ecosystems and global partnerships.

1

Onboarding

Standardized startup profiling and baseline structuring.

2

Validation

Idea testing, market validation and early demand proof.

3

Product-Market Fit

Local traction, repeatable growth and digital execution.

4

Regional Growth

Expansion through ecosystem support and network access.

5

Global Scale

Cross-border pathways through hubs, partners and capital.

Global ecosystem network

A connected platform of cities, hubs and partners

One Million Startups links cities, universities, innovation hubs, investors, governments and international organizations across priority regions.

City Hubs Locally anchored ecosystems connected to global markets.
Universities & Innovation Centers Talent pipelines, research capability and entrepreneurial capacity.
Investors & Global Partners Capital access, strategic visibility and market expansion pathways.
Powered by partnerships

Built for governments, ecosystems and global partners

The initiative is designed to align public, private and international actors around a scalable innovation agenda.

City Innovation Ecosystems
Startup Ecosystem Partners
Universities Programs
Investment Partners
Global Organizations

Join the initiative

Whether you are a startup, ecosystem partner, investor or public institution, One Million Startups is building a platform to connect local potential with global opportunity.