LBS MENA Startup Competition 2026: semi-finalists set to be announced

The London Business School (LBS) MENA Startup Competition 2026 is entering its next stage, with semi-finalists set to be selected following a strong response from ambitious early-stage founders across the region.

Applications for this year’s competition have attracted an encouraging range of startups spanning different industries and business models, reflecting the breadth and growing maturity of the MENA entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The competition, supported by London Business School’s Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital (IEPC), is aimed at Seed and Late Pre-seed ventures with a validated MVP and early traction. Shortlisted founders will now move towards the semi-final stage, where they will have the opportunity to sharpen their pitches and compete for investor exposure, mentorship and prizes.

LBS alumnus Ihab Tabbara (EMBA 2017), one of the competition’s principal organisers, said:

“We’ve been really encouraged by both the quality and diversity of this year’s applications. We’re seeing founders tackling a much broader range of problems and opportunities, which is a great reflection of the energy and ambition across the MENA startup ecosystem. We’re looking forward to announcing the semi-finalists and seeing these businesses take the next step.”

The virtual semi-finals are scheduled for October, ahead of the final pitch competition in Dubai later that month.

The 2026 competition will give finalists the opportunity to connect with leading investors and venture capitalists, gain regional exposure and benefit from expert mentorship as they build towards their next stage of growth.

Watch this space for the announcement of the LBS MENA Startup Competition 2026 semi-finalists.