To: All Accredited Franchisee Partners and Accredited Educational Institutions (schools/ colleges/ universities and independent educational training centres) and Accredited Individual Teachers, Lecturers, Tutors, Mentors and Educators who provide educational programmes to students.

Subject: Official Regulations for Participation in the Startup World Cup Championship, Certification Stage, Main Stage, Jury, Leagues, Nominations, Awards and Evaluation Principles

This Championship Policy establishes the official rules and operational standards for participation in the Startup World Cup Championship hereinafter referred to as SWCC.

The policy applies to all Accredited Franchisee Partners and Accredited Educational Institutions (schools/ colleges/ universities and independent educational training centres) and Accredited Individual Teachers, Lecturers, Tutors, Mentors and Educators who provide educational programmes to students.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a unified understanding of the SWCC structure, student participation rules, certification requirements, jury responsibilities, competition stages, leagues, nominations, awards and evaluation principles.

Accredited participants of the Startup World Cup Championship may include educational institutions and organisations engaged in teaching, training, entrepreneurship education and student development, including:

• Schools;
• Colleges;
• Universities;
• Independent educational and training centres;
• Individual teachers, lecturers, tutors, mentors and educators who provide educational programmes or training to students.

Such institutions and educators may apply for official SWCC accreditation, enabling them to prepare, register and support student teams participating in the World Championship.

Authorised franchisee partners operating under the relevant educational franchise or licence agreements may participate in the Championship in accordance with the terms of their agreements and the official SWCC regulations.

In addition to institutional accreditation, every student participating in the Startup World Cup Championship must complete an individual registration, regardless of whether they are enrolled through an accredited educational institution, franchise partner, independent teacher or educational centre.

Each registered student is recognised as an individual Championship participant representing:

• Their startup project or business idea;
• Their participating team and school, where applicable;
• Their country in the international competition.

Institutional accreditation and individual student registration constitute separate procedures. Accreditation authorises an educational institution or educator to participate in the Championship framework, while individual registration establishes each student's official participant status. All participating institutions, educators, teams and individual students must comply with the applicable Championship rules, registration requirements, competition procedures and official decisions of the SWCC Organising Committee.

Upon successful completion of the applicable accreditation and registration procedures, educational institutions, educators and individual students may be recognised as official participants of the Startup World Cup Championship, subject to confirmation by the SWCC Organising Committee.

The Startup World Cup Championship welcomes non-accredited partners to participate in the Open League, presenting their startups, entrepreneurial teams, innovative projects, and business pitches on an international stage.

Through participation in the Open League, individuals, teams, and organisations become part of a global movement dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup development.

Open League participants will receive separate official Certificates of Participation, celebrating their entrepreneurial achievements, innovative ideas, and contributions to the international startup ecosystem.

To become part of the Global Startup Movement and the Startup World Cup Championship, any eligible legal entity, including educational institutions, universities, business schools, companies, associations, and other organisations, may join the international ecosystem through four distinct partnership roles and participation models.

Each model offers different levels of accreditation, access to innovative educational programmes, entrepreneurial development opportunities, and international startup competitions.

Accredited Educational Partners holding Licence No. 1 are authorised to deliver international business education programmes for children, young people, and adults using approved educational methodologies, curricula, and teaching standards.

Accredited Startup Incubation Partners holding Licence No. 2 are authorised to implement startup incubation as an innovative methodology for practical entrepreneurship education and business development.

This licence provides access to the designated startup incubation system, its methodologies, tools, and programme formats, including:

• Startup Incubator
• Startup Studio
• Startup Accelerator
• Startup Forum
• Startup Festival and Creative Battles
• International Business Tours
• International Business Missions
• Startup Camps and Entrepreneurship Bootcamps
• Masterclasses and Practical Entrepreneurship Programmes
• Business Mentoring
• Other approved startup development and innovation initiatives

These programmes enable children, young people, and adults to transform entrepreneurial knowledge into practical experience, develop real startup projects, and present it in the global startup ecosystem.

Accredited Championship Partners holding Licence No. 3 are authorised to participate in the official international championship system, including national startup championships and the Startup World Cup Championship.

This licence provides the right to prepare, register, and present eligible student and entrepreneurial teams through the accredited championship pathway, in accordance with the official international competition regulations, standards, and franchise requirements.

Accredited Championship Partners become part of the international competition network, supporting the development, recognition, and advancement of promising startup teams at national and global levels.

Partners holding all three licences receive the most comprehensive level of access to the international entrepreneurship education and startup development ecosystem.

Students enrolled through Full International Franchise Partners (Licences No.1, No.2 and No.3) benefit from an integrated international development pathway combining International Business Education, the Global Startup Incubation and Practical Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, and participation in National and World Startup Championships.

Successful completion of each approved educational course guarantees the issuance of an International Certificate, while successful completion of the full designated business education programme leads to the award of an IBAC MBBS/BBBS International Diploma in Business Education (UK).

These international qualifications recognise students' academic achievements, entrepreneurial competencies, practical business experience, and participation in the global startup ecosystem.

The INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA in Business Education may provide students with a competitive advantage when applying to leading universities worldwide, including opportunities to earn additional university admission points where such qualifications are officially recognised under the respective institution's admission policies.

This comprehensive educational pathway combines internationally structured learning, real-world entrepreneurial practice, and global competition experience, helping students strengthen their academic portfolios and prepare for future careers.

Non-Accredited Partners may participate in the Startup World Cup Championship through the Open League, presenting independently developed startups, entrepreneurial teams, innovative projects, and business pitches.

Open League participation does not require the purchase of Licences No.1, No.2, or No.3.

Open League participants will receive separate Certificates of Participation.

This participation model allows independent educational institutions and entrepreneurial organisations to join the Global Startup Movement while maintaining their own educational approaches and methodologies.

The Global Startup Movement is designed to unite educational institutions, entrepreneurs, startup teams, and organisations worldwide through a flexible partnership framework.

Whether joining through a single specialised licence, the complete three-licence international franchise model, or independent participation in the Open League, every partner contributes to the shared mission of advancing entrepreneurship education, practical innovation, international collaboration, and the development of future generations of entrepreneurs.

The mandatory annual educational elements by LICENCE No.1, 2, 3 include:

• Academic classes;
• Startup Forum;
• Startup National Cup Championship;
• Startup World Cup Championship.

Each Accredited Partner must ensure that students and parents understand that participation in the SWCC system forms part of the complete educational cycle.

The Classes are organised locally in each city where Accredited Partners operate or online.

The Startup Forum is organised locally in each city where Accredited Partners operate.

The purpose of the Startup Forum is to provide students with a platform for presenting ideas and projects, receiving mentoring support and grants, developing final products or services, and gaining practical entrepreneurial experience.

Each Accredited Partner is responsible for organising or supporting the local Startup Forum according to the standards and methodology of the IBAC.

The Startup National Cup Championship (SNCC) is organised locally in each city where Accredited Partners operate.

The SNCC is conducted at the national level in each country. Its purpose is to identify the best student-led startups, evaluate innovative and social entrepreneurial projects, and prepare selected teams for further participation at the international level. The Startup National Cup Championship also creates opportunities for projects to be developed, replicated and scaled within the national and international educational network.

The Startup World Cup Championship is an official and mandatory element of the annual educational programme by the franchise of the International Business Academy Consortium, MiniBoss and BigBoss Business Schools.

SWCC is not only a competition, but also an educational mechanism that allows students to complete the required practical components of their academic course and be certified. The Startup World Cup Championship is the international final stage of the student startup development system. It is organised by the International Business Academy Consortium in a host country selected by the organisers.

SWCC provides students with a global platform to present their entrepreneurial projects, compete internationally, exchange ideas, develop global communication skills, and participate in cultural and business collaboration with young entrepreneurs from different countries.

The Startup World Cup Championship consists of two official stages:

The SWCC Certification Stage (or Online Certification Championship – OCC) is conducted online always. It is intended for students who have completed the academic year in one of the MINIBOSS or BIGBOSS courses but are unable to participate in the SWCC Main Stage.

The Certification Stage allows such students to complete the mandatory educational requirements and receive their Course Completion Certificate, subject to successful evaluation.

Students who participate in the Main (in-person) stage of SWCC are not required to take part in the SWCC Certification stage. While the Certification stage is sufficient for obtaining a certificate, it does not count toward the qualification requirements for the Diploma awarded upon completion of the full course by LICENCE No.1 and No.2 at the International Business Academy Consortium, MiniBoss and BigBoss Business Schools.

For reference, to qualify for The International Diploma upon completion of the full 8-year business course, a student must participate in at least 5 Main (in-person) stages of SWCC.

The SWCC Main Stage is normally conducted in-person.

It may be conducted online only by decision of the organisers in cases of international force majeure, including pandemics, wars, global disasters, or similar extraordinary circumstances.

If the SWCC Main Stage is officially moved online due to force majeure, the separate Certification Stage is not conducted, and only the online SWCC format applies.

Students may participate in the SWCC Certification Stage if they have completed the academic year but cannot attend the Main Stage.

Students participating in the in-person SWCC Main Stage may choose not to take part in the SWCC Certification Stage.

If at least one member of a startup team is unable to attend the offline SWCC Main Stage, the entire team must participate in the Certification Stage in full, so that the absent student or students may complete the academic year requirements and be considered for certification.

The registration fee for a student's participation in the Certification Championship is £100; this is either included in the student's total training package price or charged separately, at the franchisee's discretion. The Certification Stage is evaluated according to the pass / fail principle and does not determine winners in leagues or nominations.

The registration fee for each participant is paid to the organisers either through accredited partners or directly.

• students of Accredited Partners;
• independent startups admitted to the Open League, where applicable;
• Jury Members;
• Other Participants.

A team may participate in the SWCC Main Stage if at least one of its members attends the Main Stage. If some team members cannot attend the in-person or online Main Stage, the team must also complete the Certification Stage in full for certification purposes.

The registration fee for each participant is paid to the organizers either through accredited partners or directly.

All students participating in the Online Certification Championship to support their fellow participants, as well as in the Main Championship in person, are required to pay the registration fee only once.

No additional registration fee will be charged for participation in both championships.

Each Accredited Partner is required to ensure the in-person participation of at least one registered student or team representative in the Startup World Cup Championship (SWCC) every year.

Annual in-person participation is a mandatory condition for maintaining official accreditation status and the associated rights and privileges.

If an Accredited Partner fails to ensure such participation for two consecutive years without a valid and justified reason, the partner shall lose its official accreditation status and all rights, benefits and privileges associated with being an Accredited Partner of the Startup World Cup Championship.

Any exceptional circumstances or justified reasons for non-participation must be submitted in writing and are subject to review and approval by the SWCC Organising Committee.

The SWCC Organising Committee reserves the right to revoke accreditation in accordance with these regulations.

The SWCC Main Stage consists of the following parts:

• Qualifying Round;
• Final Round.

Teams that win first place at the Startup National Cup Championship may qualify directly for the SWCC Final without participating in the Qualifying Round, subject to the official rules and confirmation by the organisers.

At the Startup National Cup Championship and Startup World Cup Championship, students present their startups in the following age leagues:

• MINIBOSS JUNIOR LEAGUE: For children and teenagers aged 6–17 years.
• BIGBOSS SENIOR LEAGUE: For youth and adults aged 18+ years.

Each Franchise Partner must ensure that students are registered in the correct league according to their age and programme level.

At SNCC and SWCC, students present their startups in one of the approved nominations within the relevant league.

SIFE Nomination: Startups in an Innovative Free Entrepreneurship
This nomination applies to commercial, innovative and entrepreneurial startup projects.

SAGE Nomination: Startups for the Advancement of a Global Environment
This nomination applies to social entrepreneurship, social impact and projects addressing social or global challenges.

The jury for the SWCC Certification Stage may include:

• branch managers;
• teachers;
• invited entrepreneurs;
• company owners;
• founders;
• top managers;
• public figures or notable personalities.

Participation of teachers and branch managers as jury members in the Certification Stage is mandatory. Each branch must provide at least two jury members for the Certification Stage.

The jury of the SWCC Main Stage consists of entrepreneurs, policymakers and business representatives from different countries.

Members of the Main Stage jury may become members of the International Council of Businessmen and may receive appropriate certificates and confirmation letters upon request.
Teachers are not allowed to judge at the SWCC Main Stage unless otherwise agreed with the organisers.

Participation of branch owners in the jury of the Main Stage is encouraged.

Every member of the International Jury of the Startup World Cup Championship (SWCC) is required to complete an individual registration and pay the applicable annual Jury Registration Fee.

The following minimum registration fees shall apply:

• International Jury Members: £200+ per person.
• Jury Members Representing Accredited Partners: £100+ per person.

Each Jury Member may voluntarily contribute an amount exceeding the applicable minimum registration fee: £500, £1,000, £10,000 or more.

Supporting the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs: Jury Registration Fees shall contribute to:

1. The organisation and administration of the international judging process.
2. The coordination and operational support of the International Jury.
3. The formation and development of the Championship Prize Fund, including awards for winning student teams and startup projects.

By registering and making their financial contribution, every International Jury Member actively supports the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders.

Jury Members are encouraged to make additional voluntary contributions beyond the minimum required fee, thereby increasing the resources available for recognising outstanding achievements, rewarding innovative startups and supporting young entrepreneurial talent.
Every contribution represents an investment in the future of entrepreneurship and the development of a new generation of global business leaders.

All Jury Members, regardless of the amount contributed, shall exercise their judging responsibilities independently, objectively and impartially, in accordance with the official SWCC judging criteria.

Additional financial contributions shall not confer any preferential voting rights, additional judging authority or influence over Championship results.

Participants of the SWCC Certification Stage who successfully complete the mandatory elements of the training course programme receive:

• a Course Completion Certificate for the most recent course attended at MBBS, BBBS, IBA, LAS, ESC, RBS or other accredited educational institutions.

Participants who complete the SWCC Main Stage and the required elements of the training course programme may receive:

• Course Completion Certificate;
• SWCC Participant Diploma;
• Personal SWCC Winner’s Diploma, in case of winning first, second or third place;
• SWCC Winner Diploma for the winning team;
• Gold Medal Participant of SWCC;
• UN SDGs Gold Medal or group diploma, where applicable;
• Prize Money, in case of winning first, second or third place;
• Special Prizes from partners and sponsors.

Cash prizes are not guaranteed and are formed at the discretion of the organisers from available surplus funds, registration fees, charitable contributions, donations and sponsorship support.

The Startup World Cup Championship Prize Fund shall be distributed to the Championship winners on the basis of duly signed agreements.

Prize money shall be allocated through one of the following procedures:

Where prize funds are distributed through an Accredited Partner, the allocation, transfer and use of such funds shall be governed by a formal written agreement signed between the SWCC Organising Committee and the relevant Accredited Partner.

Where prize money is awarded directly to an individual student, the transfer of funds shall be subject to a separate Prize Award Agreement signed with the student's parent or legal guardian if the student is under the age of 18.

For participants aged 18 or over, the Prize Award Agreement may be signed directly with the winning student.

All prize payments shall be made in accordance with the terms of the relevant agreements, applicable financial regulations and the officially approved Championship results.

The purpose of these agreements is to ensure the lawful, transparent and accountable distribution of prize funds to the winning participants.

All financial awards are intended to recognise outstanding entrepreneurial achievements and support the further development of young innovators, their startups and future business initiatives.

The calculation, final determination and distribution of the Startup World Cup Championship Prize Fund shall be completed within the same calendar year in which the World Championship takes place.

All prize money must be calculated, allocated and distributed to the eligible Championship winners no later than 30 December of the respective Championship year.

The distribution of prize funds shall be carried out in accordance with the officially approved Championship results, the applicable Prize Award Agreements and the financial procedures established by the SWCC Organising Committee.

Projects in the SIFE nomination are evaluated according to the following criteria:

• innovation and novelty;
• profitability;
• scalability;
• media coverage;
• quality of the question-and-answer session.

Projects in the SAGE nomination are evaluated according to the following criteria:

• social utility;
• social impact;
• social resources;
• media coverage;
• quality of the question-and-answer session.

During the Certification Stage, teams are evaluated according to the pass / fail principle.
No points are assigned, and no winners are determined in leagues or nominations.
If a team receives a negative evaluation, each member of the team may be temporarily denied a Course Completion Certificate until an individual decision is made by the Qualification Commission.

The Qualification Commission consists of representatives of the management of the International Business Academy Consortium and the relevant branch management.

During the SWCC Main Stage, teams are evaluated using a point-based system.
The higher the total score, the closer the team is to first place.

Winners are determined according to the approved scoring system, league, nomination and final decision of the jury and organisers.

Each Accredited Partner is responsible for:

• informing students and parents about the SWCC structure and participation rules;
• preparing students for Startup Forum, SNCC and SWCC;
• ensuring correct registration of teams and participants;
• organising local participation in the Certification Stage where required;
• providing at least two jury members for the Certification Stage;
• ensuring that teachers and managers understand their duties;
• supporting students in project development, presentation and preparation;
• complying with official deadlines and instructions from the Head Office.

This policy is intended for internal use by Accredited Partners (teachers, managers, franchise owners and authorised representatives of International Business Academy Consortium branches).

The policy may be used for explanatory work with students, parents and jury members.
Publication, external distribution, copying or modification of this policy without written permission from the Head Office is prohibited.

Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all Accredited Partners and affiliated academies.
The Head Office reserves the right to update SWCC rules, stages, formats, evaluation criteria, awards, deadlines and participation procedures when required by academic, organisational, legal, logistical or force majeure circumstances.

All Accredited Partners are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, academic discipline and international cooperation in the preparation and implementation of the Startup World Cup Championship.

Organiser: WORLD EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION ORGANISATION LIMITED

Company Code: No. SC752638

E-mail: info@wesio.org