Startup World Cup is coming to Yaoundé
Ten startups. One stage. One ticket to San Francisco.
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
SALLE TRIPARTITE, PALAIS DES CONGRÈS · SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · 9:00 – 11:00
On 17 October, eight startups pitch live on the closing day of the Cameroon International Tech Summit 2026 for the chance to be named Startup World Cup Yaoundé winner and represent Cameroon at the global competition in San Francisco.
We are looking for companies with real customers, serious growth ambitions and technology that can compete beyond Cameroon.
Ten finalists will pitch at Salle Tripartite, Palais des Congrès, on Saturday 17 October from 9:00.
FROM YAOUNDÉ TO SAN FRANCISCO
Your next pitch could be on a global stage
Startup World Cup is a global startup competition powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures, with more than 100 regional competitions across six continents.
Regional winners advance to San Francisco, where founders from around the world compete for a $1 million investment prize.
This year, one of those routes starts in Yaoundé.
Eight finalists will be selected to pitch live during CITS26. One winner will advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale programme in San Francisco.
2026 FINALISTS
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
More than a trophy
The winner of Startup World Cup Yaoundé 2026 leaves with more than a title. You get introductions to investors, industry leaders and partners from across CITS26, plus:
Startup World Cup
Qualification to represent the Yaoundé regional competition at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, pitching in the Semi-Final round.
Flight to San Francisco
One return economy flight for one company representative to travel to the Grand Finale, covered by Mountain Hub.
Mountain Hub Incubation
A place on Mountain Hub's incubation programme, with workspace, mentoring and investor introductions as the company grows.
The $1 million Startup World Cup prize is an investment prize awarded at the global competition and is subject to Startup World Cup's investment terms. Winning the Yaoundé competition does not constitute a cash award of $1 million.
ARE WE LOOKING FOR YOU?
Built something that is ready to scale?
Startup World Cup is open to startups at any stage and in any industry. For the Yaoundé regional we are looking for technology companies that can show commercial progress, real growth potential and relevance to the markets of Cameroon and Central Africa.
We want to hear from companies that:
- Have a product, technology or service beyond the idea stage
- Can show customers, pilots, revenue, partnerships or other market validation
- Have clear ambitions to grow beyond their home market
- Offer a solution that is different and can grow fast
- Work in AI, fintech, agritech, health, climate, mobility, digital services, education, e-commerce, creative technology or related fields
- Can send a representative to pitch in person in Yaoundé on 17 October
You do not need to be a CITS26 exhibitor to apply.
There is no application fee.
Companies registered outside Cameroon are welcome.
HOW IT WORKS
APPLY
Submit your application and pitch deck by Sunday, 5 October.
GET SELECTED
Applications are reviewed on commercial traction, technology and differentiation, growth potential, team strength and international ambition.
Eight companies are selected for the live competition and announced on 10 October.
PITCH AT CITS26
All Ten finalists pitch on the same morning.
Each company gets:
4 minutes to pitch
2 minutes of questions from the jury
Pitch in English or French.
Slides in English.
WIN
One jury follows every pitch and selects the winner, announced the same morning.
The winner advances to Startup World Cup in San Francisco, receives a return economy flight for one company representative, and joins Mountain Hub's incubation programme.
WHEN & WHERE
Saturday, 17 October 2026Startup World Cup Yaoundé Regional Final
9:00 – 11:00 Salle Tripartite, Palais des Congrès, YaoundéEight finalists· Jury decision·
Winner announcedDay 3 of the Cameroon International Tech Summit 2026.
ATTENDING
Entry is free with any CITS26 pass. Registration is required so we can manage capacity in the hall. Walk-in registration is available at the entrance on the day.
What makes a winning company?
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
TRACTION
Is there clear evidence that the market wants what you are building?
GROWTH POTENTIAL
Can this become a significant business beyond Cameroon?
What makes your solution genuinely better or different?
TECHNOLOGY AND DIFFERENTIATION
TEAM
Does the team have what it takes to execute?
IMPACT
Does the company solve a real problem for people, businesses or institutions across the region?
AMBITION
Are you challenging established thinking and building something bold?
AYUK ETTA
CEO
MOUNTAIN HUB
HARMONIE E.
FOUNDER
SoftXcloud GmbH
Full name
Title
Organisation
Full name
Title
Organisation
THE GLOBAL COMPETITION
100+ regional competitions.
One global
stage.
Startup World Cup brings together startups, investors, founders and global technology leaders through more than 100 regional competitions around the world.
Regional winners meet in San Francisco for the 2026 Grand Finale programme in November.
The global champion receives a $1 million investment prize.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
POWERED BY
PRIZE PARTNERS
FAQ
Who can apply?
Any legally registered startup or scale-up. You do not have to be a CITS26 exhibitor or a Cameroonian company. We will prioritise companies with commercial progress, strong growth potential and relevance to the markets of Cameroon and Central Africa. There is no application fee.
How long is the pitch?
Four minutes to pitch, followed by two minutes of questions from the jury.
What language should I pitch in?
English or French. Your slides must be in English, as the jury includes international members.
Do I need to be in Yaoundé in person?
Yes. Finalists must have a company representative present to pitch live at Palais des Congrès on 17 October.
Do I need a CITS26 ticket to compete?
Selected finalists receive access for the pitching representative. Additional team members need a CITS26 pass.
What does the winner receive?
The winner advances from the Yaoundé regional competition to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale programme in San Francisco, pitching in the Semi-Final round. The winner also receives a return economy flight for one company representative and a place on Mountain Hub's incubation programme.
Can companies from outside Cameroon apply?
Yes. Startup World Cup accepts applicants regardless of location, and the Yaoundé competition welcomes startups from across Central Africa and the diaspora.
When will I know if I have been selected?
The eight finalists are announced on 10 October 2026. All applicants are notified by email.
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