The Global Entrepreneurship Network has announced the finalists for the 2025 GEN Compass Awards, a celebration recognizing outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, policymaking, investment, research, and entrepreneur support programs. The awards honor those making a difference in helping entrepreneurs start and scale around the world.
The nominees will be celebrated and the winners will be revealed during the Compass Awards Ceremony, taking place at the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Indianapolis, USA — a gathering of founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders from 200 countries.
The Founder Catalyst Award recognizes exceptional organizations that have demonstrated dedication and success in connecting, inspiring and empowering startup founders through impactful GEN programming.
The finalists in this category are...
Monsha’at
For investing over four million dollars in direct support for up-and-coming companies through the Entrepreneurship World Cup. The program has facilitated access to new markets, introductions to investors, dozens of new contracts, and deep cross-border networks for 400 rising founders.
iNNpulsa Colombia
For engaging Colombian entrepreneurs in the GEN Founder community, with more than 450 new Colombian startups entering the Entrepreneurship World Cup in 2024.
Ministry of Economy of El Salvador
For making a big impact in a small country. Under the leadership of Minister Hayem, it consistently drives local GEN programming, secures national ecosystem partners, and with GEN, facilitates the connection of hundreds of local founders to global resources and networks.
Ministry of SMEs and Startups of Korea
For extensive engagement in GEN’s global programs, and for leading the swift local uptake of the right Korean founders into the 2024 Entrepreneurship World Cup – with six companies advancing to the Global Finals and two named among the top in the world.
Voka
For consistently recruiting high-potential startups to the GEN Founder community, driving strong engagement in the Entrepreneurship World Cup, and fostering a “give first” spirit with founders offering workshops and support for those following in their footsteps.