About this opportunity
The 4YFN Awards is described on its own page as the leading global startup competition, celebrating the most innovative digital startups. It runs ahead of Four Years From Now at MWC Barcelona, where shortlisted founders pitch in front of investors, corporates and the mobile industry.
The money is staged rather than concentrated in one place. The page prints a €20,000 cash prize for the winner courtesy of GSMA Foundry, together with a free exhibition stand.
The Top 20 startups each gain a €1,500 cash prize and promotion across 4YFN channels, and the five finalists gain a €2,500 cash prize, an exhibition pod and a live pitch on the 4YFN stage. Entry is open to early stage and growth stage digital startups worldwide, so founders building from Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa can apply.
Prizes are noted as courtesy of GSMA Foundry and subject to the published rules of entry. The awards page carries a live countdown and prints that applications are open until 26 October, so the closing date is the one date that governs this round.
What you receive
- A €20,000 cash prize for the winner, courtesy of GSMA Foundry
- A free exhibition stand for the winner
- A €1,500 cash prize and promotion across 4YFN channels for the Top 20 startups
- A €2,500 cash prize, an exhibition pod and a live pitch on the 4YFN stage for the five finalists
Who can apply
- Open to early stage and growth stage digital startups
- The competition is described as a global startup competition, so founders registered in Nigeria and other African countries can enter
- Entry is subject to the published rules of entry
How to apply
- Open the 4YFN Awards page and read the rules of entry
- Submit the startup details and pitch material through the awards entry route before 26 October 2026
- Shortlisted startups move to the Top 20, then to the five finalists who pitch live on the 4YFN stage
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
Is there an entry fee?
The awards page publishes no entry fee for the 4YFN Awards round.
Where do the finalists pitch?
The five finalists gain a live pitch on the 4YFN stage at Four Years From Now, held ahead of MWC Barcelona.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
