One Million Startups (OMS) operates through a network of regional and thematic programs designed to address the specific needs and opportunities of different markets.

Current OMS Programs include:

• AFRICA Program (Sub Saharan)
  
• MENA Program (Middle East & North Africa)
  
• EUROPE Program
  
• ASEAN Program (Southeast Asia)
  
• LAC Program (Latin America & Caribbean)

Each program is delivered in partnership with universities, innovation hubs, ecosystem organizations and other strategic partners designated by OMS. In regions where no official delivery partner has been appointed, OMS will directly manage the application and selection process and provide online program support to participants.

Applicants must apply under the category that best reflects their current stage of development.

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A. Solo Founders
Designed for individuals who are exploring, validating or preparing to launch a business idea.

Eligibility:

• Individual founder or aspiring entrepreneur.
  
• No registered company required.
  
• No product required.
  
• No customers required.
  
• Must have a business idea, concept or project under development.

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B. Startups & Teams
Designed for teams that are building products or services and working toward market validation.

Eligibility:

• Startup team (2 or more).
  
• Product, prototype or service under development or already launched.
  
• Company registration recommended but not mandatory.
  
• Early customers, pilots or market validation are encouraged.

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C. SMEs
Designed for established businesses seeking growth, digital transformation or market expansion.

Eligibility:

• Legally registered company.
  
• Existing customers.
  
• Active commercial operations.
  
• Demonstrated commitment to business growth.

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D. Scaleups
Designed for high-growth businesses seeking regional or international expansion.

Eligibility:

• Legally registered company.
  
• Existing customer base.
  
• Proven revenue generation.
  
• Scalable business model.
  
• Growth and expansion strategy.

One Million Startups runs two program cycles per year: a Fall Program and a Spring Program. Each cycle includes an application period, evaluation rounds, participant selection, showcase activities, recognition moments and global networking opportunities.
Selected participants gain access to the OMS ecosystem, including learning opportunities, business development frameworks, digital tools, expert guidance, international networks and visibility initiatives designed to support growth and expansion.

Throughout the program, participants may also be featured through OMS media channels, partner networks, events and showcase activities to increase their visibility and connect them with new opportunities.

The OMS application process is divided into two stages. Applicants first submit a short registration to confirm their eligibility and program alignment. Selected applicants may then be invited to complete a more detailed application.

Step 1: Registration
Applicants complete the Registration Form.

The registration process is used to:

• Verify basic eligibility.
  
• Identify the appropriate participant category.
  
• Determine the most relevant regional program.
  
• Understand the applicant’s current business stage.

Step 2: Application
Eligible applicants may be invited to complete a detailed Application Form.

Depending on the participant category, the application may request:

• Business and company information.
  
• Product or service information.
  
• Team information.
  
• Market and customer information.
  
• Growth and expansion objectives.
  
• Supporting documents or relevant links.

Only complete applications submitted within the established deadline will proceed to evaluation.

Applications are assessed through a structured evaluation process designed to identify promising entrepreneurs, viable business opportunities and initiatives with the potential to generate sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
The evaluation considers both the current strength of the applicant and their capacity to develop through access to knowledge, digital tools, expert support, partnerships and relevant business ecosystems. The criteria applied may vary according to the applicant category, business stage, region and specific program objectives.

Evaluation Criteria Explained

Entrepreneurial Potential
The applicant’s motivation, initiative, resilience, adaptability and commitment to developing the venture. The evaluation may also consider the applicant’s current skills, ability to acquire new capabilities and access to the tools, knowledge, networks and ecosystem support required to advance the business.

Innovation
The originality and relevance of the idea, product, service, technology or business approach. Innovation may include the creation of a new solution or a meaningful improvement to an existing product, process, market or delivery model.

Business Model
The clarity, feasibility and sustainability of how the business creates, delivers and captures value. The evaluation may consider revenue sources, cost structure, customer relationships, distribution channels and the overall viability of the proposed model.

Market Opportunity
The relevance of the problem being addressed, the definition of the target market and the potential demand for the proposed solution. Consideration may also be given to market size, customer needs, competition and emerging market trends.

Growth Potential
The capacity of the business to increase its customer base, revenue, operations, geographic reach or overall impact. The assessment may consider the opportunity for expansion into new markets, sectors or customer segments.

Team Capabilities
The experience, knowledge, commitment and complementary skills of the founder or team. The evaluation may also consider role clarity, leadership capacity, technical expertise and the ability to attract additional talent when needed.

Digital Readiness
The applicant’s ability and willingness to use digital technologies, platforms, data and business tools to improve operations, reach customers and support growth. This may include current digital capabilities as well as the capacity to adopt new technologies.

Regional Impact
The potential contribution of the business to entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation, skills development and ecosystem growth within the applicant’s city, country or region.

Social and Economic Contribution
The capacity of the business to generate employment, strengthen communities, promote inclusion, improve access to opportunities or contribute to sustainable economic development.

Alignment with Program Objectives
The extent to which the applicant and proposed business support the mission, priorities and intended outcomes of the OMS Program, including entrepreneurship development, digital inclusion, market access and international growth.

Scalability Potential
The capacity of the business model, product, service or operational structure to grow efficiently beyond its current market. The evaluation may consider replicability, technology use, standardization and the ability to expand without a proportional increase in costs.

Execution Readiness
The applicant’s preparedness to move from planning to implementation. This may include the existence of a clear roadmap, defined priorities, available resources, early validation, realistic objectives and the ability to take action within the program period.

Criteria and weighting may vary according to the participant category, regional program, business stage and specific evaluation round.

The OMS evaluation process is conducted through multiple stages to ensure that applications are reviewed consistently, fairly and according to the objectives of the relevant program, category and region.

Phase 1: Eligibility Review

The OMS Secretariat reviews registrations and applications to confirm:

• Applicant eligibility.
  
• Application completeness.
  
• Participant category.
  
• Regional program alignment.
  
• Submission of the required information and documentation.

Applicants may be contacted to provide clarification, correct incomplete information or submit additional supporting documents.

Applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements or remain incomplete after the requested deadline may not proceed to the next phase.

Phase 2: First Evaluation

Eligible applications are reviewed by a Judging Panel composed of relevant experts, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, industry professionals and ecosystem leaders.

Applications are assessed using a structured scoring framework based on the published evaluation criteria.

During this phase, the Judging Panel may:

• Review the information and documentation submitted.
  
• Compare applications within the relevant category or region.
  
• Request clarification through the OMS Secretariat.
  
• Recommend applicants for progression to the final evaluation stage.

Applicants who achieve the required evaluation standard may be shortlisted and invited to proceed to the next phase.

Phase 3: Final Evaluation

The Final Selection Committee reviews the shortlisted applications and determines the final selection of program participants.

Depending on the program and evaluation round, the Committee may also identify:

• Award recipients.
  
• Special recognition recipients.
  
• Applicants suitable for specific regional or thematic programs.
  
• Applicants who may benefit from additional development support.

The Committee may conduct interviews, request presentations or ask applicants to provide additional information before reaching a final decision.

Final Decisions

The decisions of the Final Selection Committee are final.

OMS reserves the right to:

• Reallocate available places between categories or regions.
  
• Create additional award or recognition categories.
  
• Select additional participants where justified by application quality or program capacity.
  
• Place qualified applicants on a reserve or waiting list.
  
• Withhold awards or recognitions when the required standards are not met.
  
• Refer applicants to another OMS program, category or evaluation round where appropriate.

Participation, selection, awards and recognition are subject to program capacity, eligibility requirements and the final approval of the relevant OMS selection bodies.

Selected participants may receive access to:

• Certificates and Recognition
  
• Startup Promotion Opportunities
  
• Global Visibility
  
• Expert Mentoring
  
• Partner Networks
  
• Business Development Support
  
• International Market Access Opportunities
  
• Strategic Events and Missions
  
• Funding and Investment Exposure

Benefits may vary by region, category and partner participation.

Selected participants may be invited to participate in the OMS Awards & Recognition Ceremony.

The ceremony may include:

• Participant Recognition
  
• Startup Showcases
  
• Investor Engagement Activities
  
• Partner Meetings
  
• Networking Sessions
  
• Special Awards

Attendance requirements will be communicated separately.

Applicants retain ownership of all intellectual property submitted through OMS.

By participating, applicants authorize OMS to:

• Review submitted information.
  
• Use company names, logos and public descriptions for promotional purposes.
  
• Publish participant and award recipient information.

Confidential information will be treated appropriately and shared only with authorized evaluators and partners where necessary.

For questions regarding eligibility, applications or participation:

Please contact the OMS Team through the official Contact Form available on the OMS website.

Additional information may also be available through regional partners and program coordinators.