Born Global Champions

This year, for the 11th time, the Born Global Champion Award will bring young companies with a global perspective to the international stage of ViennaUP 2025 - as part of the Connect Day - and subsequently to the big export award stage. We invite you to share your startup success story!

What characterises a Born Global Champion?

Innovative and international. The ‘Born Global Champions’ companies are characterised by their innovative product ideas and strong focus on international markets. As a result, they make an important contribution to the Austrian export economy at a very early stage of their existence. 

In concrete terms, this means that your company ...

• is a member of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.
• has achieved its first notable successes in exports and international markets.
• was founded on or after 1 January 2020.
• operates globally from day one.
• has an innovative product or service.
• has a scalable business model.
• has time availability for the pre-pitching within the ViennaUP 2025 on 13 May 2025.

What’s in it for you?

• Appreciation of your global successes
• Access to an exclusive network of innovators and decision-makers
• Stage presence during the ViennaUp (Prepitching)
• Exhibition space at the renowned Export Day of AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA
• Media coverage
• Visibility on the international stage (Award Ceremony Exporttag)

Be there, compete for gold, silver or bronze and secure the prestigious trophy as well as public attention and new business opportunities for the future!

The 10 best scale-ups will compete in a prepitching during ViennaUP, the 3 most outstanding companies will be honoured as Born Global Champions at the Export Award 2025.