The SES Awards
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
and Mind the Bridge annually recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship and open innovation through the Startup Ecosystem Stars Awards (SES)
Honoring excellence in Open Innovation
Our goal is to go beyond the usual suspects – large corporations and well-known ecosystems – by highlighting both public and private organizations that are truly driving change. These may include startup-friendly corporations, SMEs, government agencies, and public institutions operating at local, regional, or transnational levels. Many hidden gems are still waiting to be discovered
Looking for Ambassadors
That’s why we’re building a network of “ambassadors”, an exclusive group of top-notch thought leaders from innovation ecosystems worldwide. Their mission? To uncover and spotlight organizations that are making a real impact.
If you are passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, apply to join us in identifying and celebrating excellence in open innovation!
Applications
We welcome applications from professionals actively
engaged in supporting startup ecosystems
Founders
& Startup Ecosystem
Leaders
Government Representatives
& Policymakers
Venture Capitalists
& Investors
Innovation Executives
& Experts
Becoming an Ambassador
Join an exclusive group of innovation leaders driving
startup collaboration and gain valuable benefits
Earn Prestigious Recognition
Have your name featured on official CSS/SES 2025 materials and highlighted during the Award Ceremony
Build Powerful Connections
Network with top corporate leaders and global ecosystem builders
Access Exclusive Opportunities
Receive a VIP invitation to the Award Ceremony in December (subject to availability)
Organized by
In collaboration with
With the support of
