Methodology FAQ

Stars vs. Rising Stars

The SES Awards confer two primary designations: Startup Ecosystem Stars and Rising Stars.

• Stars recognize established organizations demonstrating large-scale, sustained impact and a proven track record.
• Rising Stars recognize a highly selective group of organizations. This designation ensures that entities operating on a smaller scale, or within emerging ecosystems, are properly acknowledged for driving exceptional and innovative ecosystem growth.

The distinction between the two is based on the organization’s track record, operational scale, demonstrated impact, and the overarching maturity of their local ecosystem.

Award Categories

Each recognized organization is assigned a specific category that reflects the nature of their contribution. An organization can be recognized in one or more categories where its initiatives demonstrate a sufficiently strong contribution. The six evaluation categories are:

• Best-in-Class Startup Programs: Initiatives supporting the creation and growth of startups and scaleups.
• Exceptional Industry Support: Initiatives helping local companies and industries access innovation, technology, and global ecosystems.
• Outstanding Investment Boost: Initiatives mobilizing or deploying capital to support the local innovation ecosystem.
• Top Talent & Research: Initiatives supporting research, talent development, attraction, and retention.
• Visionary Public Procurement: Initiatives using public procurement to create demand for innovation and accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
• Innovation Policy: Policies and programs creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurship, innovation, and ecosystem development.

Mind the Bridge employs a multi-stage evaluation framework that combines:

Stakeholder Signals → Desk Research → Validation → Judging Committee Review → Final Selection

Stakeholder Signals, Desk Research and Validation

Mind the Bridge regularly gathers nominations and signals from local and international ecosystem stakeholders — including startups, scaleups, corporates, investors, public agencies, research institutions and other ecosystem players — regarding initiatives that have contributed to the development of local innovation ecosystems and/or strengthened connections with international ecosystems.

While direct applications are welcome, the selection process is not based exclusively on them. This proactive approach ensures the identification of high-impact initiatives that might not otherwise put themselves forward for consideration. 

These recommendations and applications are then validated through desk research and additional fact-checking, assessing the initiative’s impact, track record, novelty, relevance and scope. Because the final selection is based on this comprehensive, independent evaluation, all recognitions are final and unconditional. 

The number of organizations reviewed varies from year to year and depends on the scope of the research and the number of relevant initiatives identified. Not every organization considered during the research process becomes an award recipient.

The Judging Committee and Final Selection

The SES Judging Committee is composed of experienced international ecosystem and innovation leaders. Its members are selected based on their expertise, international perspective and knowledge of innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, corporate innovation, investment, research and/or public policy.

The Committee reviews the organizations and initiatives identified through the research and validation process and determines the final award recipients.

Repeat recognition

An organization may be recognized in more than one year, provided that it continues to demonstrate initiatives and results that meet the standards of the Awards.

Recognition in a previous year does not automatically qualify an organization for subsequent awards. Each year’s initiatives are reassessed based on their current relevance, impact and track record.

There is no single formula or rigid weighting system applied across all categories, as the nature and expected impact of the initiatives differ significantly. The assessment considers, depending on the category:

Quantitative factors

• Scale of the initiative and resources mobilized
• Number of startups, scaleups, companies, researchers or talents supported
• Capital invested or mobilized
• Number and scale of programs/projects launched
• Corporate or international participation
• Measurable outcomes and track record

Qualitative factors

• Impact on the local innovation ecosystem
• Quality and relevance of the initiative
• Novelty and innovation of the approach
• Ability to address structural ecosystem gaps
• International relevance and potential for replication
• Ability to create connections between ecosystem stakeholders
• Long-term sustainability and strategic importance

The relative importance of these factors varies by award category rather than being mechanically weighted in the same way for every award.

International comparison

The SES Awards are designed to provide an international benchmark of ecosystem-building initiatives.Organizations from different countries can therefore be considered within the same categories, allowing the Committee to identify examples that demonstrate particularly strong or innovative approaches.The final selection is based on the quality and impact of the initiative rather than geography.

Award Presentation

The SES distinction is formally conferred during the awards ceremony. The physical award is presented exclusively to representatives in attendance and cannot be shipped to absent offices. 

Awardees will be provided with a communication kit to facilitate network promotion; however, all public announcements are subject to a strict communication embargo until the day of the ceremony.

Participation and Fees

There is no cost associated with the recognition, as it is purely merit based. Attendance at the full event is complimentary for one designated representative per organization. Should an organization require additional representatives, a registration fee of $2,500 per person applies. 

Note: Travel and accommodation costs are not covered.

Audience and Event Expectations

The ceremony convenes senior leaders, including State Secretaries, CEOs, Agency Directors, and Heads of Programs. Organizations are strongly advised to select delegates of commensurate seniority. Awardees are not required to deliver speeches or presentations; the focus is on high-level networking, peer discussions, and the formal award reception.