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Since 2017, EY has turned the Startup World Cup (SWC) Luxembourg into a benchmark for the national ecosystem, where ambition meets rigor, and potential is tested against global standards. More than a competition, it is a long-term platform designed to identify startups ready to scale and to showcase Luxembourg on the international stage.
What guarantees the independence and rigor of the selection process?
Independence is fundamental. EY partners with Pegasus, the global organizer of the Startup World Cup, which manages the application intake. EY’s role is strictly limited to communication and ecosystem mobilization.
Selection is conducted by an independent committee composed of incubators, accelerators, and key ecosystem players. Each startup is assessed on a case-by-case basis, with a strong focus on scalability and international potential.
This year, seven finalists were selected instead of six. What does this say about the ecosystem?
It says a lot. Expanding the list to seven reflects more selectivity. The committee applied even more demanding criteria to ensure that every selected startup has the ability to compete internationally.
Competition is tough, by design. The ambition goes beyond recognizing talent, it is about positioning Luxembourg with the strongest possible representatives on the global stage. This year’s profiles, spanning AI, cybersecurity, deep tech, and industrial innovation, come across Luxembourg’s diversification efforts.
“Since 2017, three Luxembourg startups have reached the global Top 10, clear proof that this program reveals and accelerates real potential.”
How has the Startup World Cup Luxembourg evolved beyond a single event?
It was never designed as a one-off initiative. SWC Luxembourg is a natural extension of EYnovation - EY’s global accelerating program - reflecting a vision driven for nearly a decade.
“The initiative stems from a strong leadership conviction: that Luxembourg has untapped startup potential worth structuring and promoting.”
Supporting startups is a long-term commitment, EY works alongside them, shares expertise, and builds bridges with corporates.
Today, the program stands as a flagship initiative supported by Luxembourg’s broader ecosystem. It is a collective effort led by EY in close collaboration with incubators, partners, and the innovation community. The ambition has always been to continuously strengthen the program [and its impact] year after year.
What does EY provide to startups beyond the pitch?
Exposure and access, at an exceptional level, and at no cost. Startups are placed at the center of the program, benefiting from strong visibility ranging from city-wide campaigns to prominent media presence, including advertising.
For a young company, seeing its brand showcased across the city and digital channels is more than visibility; it is a powerful signal of credibility. Programs like SWC play a key role in opening doors, particularly when it comes to recognition and access to potential funding opportunities. Last year’s winner, Kyle Acierno, CEO and Co-founder of Exobiosphere, is a strong example: international exposure, growing recognition in the U.S., and concrete business development - including a recent win on a U.S. TV show.
“EY delivers a unique program that stands apart from traditional startup competitions.”
Ultimately, what differentiates EY’s approach?
It is EY’s DNA: investing in people and potential and actively contributing to the diversification and resilience of Luxembourg’s economy.
The Startup World Cup is about connecting the startup world with the corporate world. At its core lies collaboration across industries, sectors, and ecosystems.
This reflects a broader ambition: investing in the future.
While Luxembourg remains a strong financial hub, it cannot rely on a single driver. Not all selected startups are expected to directly align with today’s dominant industries, but they point to emerging pillars - especially in tech - shaping the country’s future.
By supporting both local innovation and international exposure, the program brings a stronger entrepreneurial edge to the market over time.
Summary
Since 2017, EY has turned the Startup World Cup (SWC) Luxembourg into a benchmark for the national ecosystem, where ambition meets rigor, and potential is tested against global standards. More than a competition, it is a long-term platform designed to identify startups ready to scale and to showcase Luxembourg on the international stage.