BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index Global

Nations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globally
to Launch a Startup

DII Global Top 10 Remains Steady
Nepal, Jordan, Cook Islands, and Venezuela Register Largest Gains
Azerbaijan, Seychelles, Namibia, and Zambia See Largest Declines
China, Russia, and India See No Change
Argentina Rises in the DII Global Rankings
Luxembourg and Iceland Rise in DII Global Top 20, Japan Breaks in at 20th
South Korea and Norway Fall in DII Global Top 20

San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces its April 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index Global (DII Global), which evaluates each nation’s ability to develop, support, and retain entrepreneurs, innovators, startups, and investors. First published in 2021, the DII Global provides the most well-rounded and up-to-date look at entrepreneurial environments across the globe. The April 2026 DII Global update reflects the continued global instability stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“Global instability continues to impact the DII Global rankings,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Multiple countries rose or fell this month due to US State Department Travel Advisories. Conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and other areas are beginning to shift DII Global rankings. The dramatic swings we saw in Nepal, Venezuela, and Azerbaijan this month highlight a critical truth: entrepreneurship cannot thrive in isolation. U.S. Travel Advisories directly impact investor confidence, border mobility, and ultimately, a nation’s ability to attract startup capital globally.”

Top Takeaways from the DII Global April 2026 Update

Key Risers: Argentina, Nepal, Jordan, Cook Islands, Venezuela, Luxembourg, Iceland, JapanKey Fallers: South Korea, Norway, Azerbaijan, Seychelles, Namibia, Zambia

• Nepal posted the month’s largest improvement, jumping 14 places from 174th to 160th in the DII Global Balanced thanks to an improvement in its U.S. State Travel Advisory.
• Jordan saw a significant increase in AI/Machine Learning venture capital investments, which reversed some of last month’s decline and pushed it up 12 places to 113th.
• Cook Islands rose to 82nd thanks primarily to comparatively strong currency performance.
• Venezuela saw its DII Global rank improve from 205th to 196th as its U.S. Travel Advisory improved from a “4” (Do Not Travel) to a “3” (Reconsider Travel).
• Azerbaijan registered this month’s largest drop, falling to 181st as the U.S. State Department downgraded its Travel Advisory.
• Seychelles saw the second largest decline, declining 10 places to 45th, due to comparatively weak currency performance.
• Namibia fell to 120th as a small uptick in AI/Machine Learning venture capital investments failed to offset below-average currency performance.
• Zambia also fell to 163rd due to a decline in AI/Machine Learning venture capital investment.
• China (76th), India (74th), and Russia (217th) all saw no changes in their DII Global ranks this month.
• Argentina climbed to 98th thanks to stronger currency performance and rising venture capital investments.
• Japan broke into the Top 20 thanks to rising AI/Machine Learning venture capital investment. It switched places with Chile, which finished 21st.
• Luxembourg overtook South Korea for 15th place; Luxembourg benefitted from stronger currency performance while South Korea suffered from a slumping World Uncertainty Index score.
• Iceland overtook Norway for 16th place, with the latter falling due to currency and AI/Machine Learning venture capital declines.

“AI and Machine Learning-related venture capital was the biggest factor on the DII Global this month,” said BizWorld Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “ChatGPT launched less than four years ago, but alongside its competitors, it has already transformed the global economy—and this technological shift is clearly here to stay. We are seeing artificial intelligence act as a great equalizer. Boosting investment in AI and related fields will only become more important as these technologies continue to evolve. Countries are climbing the ranks specifically because they are aggressively attracting AI and Machine Learning venture capital.”

The DII Global will release monthly updates to continually reflect the latest developments in global innovation and entrepreneurship, available here.

About BizWorld

BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to enable youth from all backgrounds to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to create career opportunities, inspire self-reliance, and build confidence that drives economic prosperity globally.     Founded over 25 years ago by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, BizWorld.org programs teach students real-world 21st century skills and leadership that encourage them to become responsible leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. More than 850,000 students in more than 100 countries have participated in BizWorld programs. https://www.bizworld.org/