Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) is the world’s largest social innovation startup competition and forum for the leaders of tomorrow to be able to unleash their full potential. Last year, the competition attracted startups from 87 countries and the 52 finalists raised more than $120M in venture investment since being selected.
We’re so excited with our competition’s growth this year, and the incredible participation from all around the world for the 2021 cycle. While last year’s competition generated some 2,200 applications, this year we more than doubled that number with 3,500+ applications submitted, from 92 countries (compared with 81 countries in 2020)! This pays testament to the rise of a new generation of tech startups that are committed to advancing purpose-driven innovation and addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Extreme Tech Challenge wouldn’t be possible without our partners and their amazing support, and in many cases managing XTC’s regional events. With 49 partners and counting, compared to 31 in 2020, our global presence and reach has expanded significantly. We not only increased our number of partners but also have expanded the regions represented from 12 to 21 this year.