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.
Nominees will be celebrated and 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 Policy Catalyst Award recognizes a GEN Policy community member who has made the most significant contributions to removing barriers to entrepreneurship through advocacy or implementation of new policies and regulations. This award is open to campaigners, advisors, officials, and other policy professionals.
The nominees in this category are...
Right to Start
Led by Victor Hwang, for groundbreaking advocacy of entrepreneurship in small communities across America, inspiring better public policies at the local, state and national level - like the Right to Start Act - supported by grassroots engagement across the nation.
Startup Policy Forum
Led by Shweta Rajpal Kohli, for advancing India’s startup ecosystem. By addressing regulatory barriers and fostering sector-specific councils, SPF has empowered entrepreneurs, informed policies, and strengthened regional ecosystems that drive national economic growth.
Innovation for Policy Foundation
Co-led by Belinda Baah, for initiatives like the Senegal Startup Act and the Africa Innovation Policy Manifesto. i4Policy has removed barriers, strengthened ecosystems, and fostered inclusive innovation across Africa.
OECD Development Centre
For the work of Annalisa Primi for fostering inclusive entrepreneurship through data-driven policy frameworks across developing nations, and for addressing systemic barriers and empowering marginalized groups to drive equitable economic growth around the world.
Startup Coalition
Led by Dom Hallas, for championing policies that empower UK startups. Through advocacy for talent acquisition, investment access, and regulatory reforms, the Startup Coalition has positioned British tech startups for global innovation and growth.