Tag: Education

Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index US July 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Georgia Pulls Ahead of North Carolina and Colorado in DII US Top 10California Stalls and Massachusetts FallsMichigan Pulls Ahead of VirginiaNorth Dakota Leapfrogs Indiana and WashingtonMontana Breaks into DII US Top 20, Wisconsin Falls OutMontana, Nebraska, North Dakota Post Largest GainsSouth Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island Post Largest Declines San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces the July 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “What the DII US proves month after month is that capital and talent don’t care about legacy reputations anymore,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “As America celebrates its 250th year, the spirit of domestic competition is more alive than ever, and that’s a great thing. Look at Montana and Nebraska climbing the ladder, or Georgia aggressively stepping up its game—they are proving that the next Silicon Valley can be built anywhere lawmakers choose to trust the builders and get out of the way. If a state makes it easy to form a business and embraces emerging tech like crypto, entrepreneurs will flock there, while traditional heavyweights that choose to over-regulate are stalling out and watching the next generation of innovation happen somewhere else. Top Takeaways from the DII US July 2026 Update Key Risers: Georgia, Montana, Nebraska, North DakotaKey Fallers: South Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Colorado “Our metrics this month show that new business formation remains the ultimate buffer against broader macroeconomic headwinds,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Even as venture capital growth experiences localized volatility—particularly within the crypto and blockchain sectors—the states maintaining top-tier status are those that have successfully streamlined the regulatory friction required to launch a new startup.“ The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index Global July 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index GlobalNations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup Following Major Volatility in Recent Months, DII Global Top 10 StabilizesIreland Breaks into Top 10, New Zealand Falls OutIceland Overtakes Norway in DII Global Top 20China and Russia DropTaiwan, Liechtenstein, and Macau See Largest GainsKosovo, Belize, and Qatar Register Largest Declines San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces its July 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. In an effort to continually use the most up-to-date information, the July 2026 DII Global includes an update to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. “Taiwan, a country that has punched above its weight class for decades, had this month’s biggest improvement,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Improved performance on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index was the major reason why. Few things make a country less attractive to entrepreneurs and investors than the perception that corruption runs deep in that country’s economic and political life. On the flipside, perceptions of transparency and stability serve as a magnet for entrepreneurs, investors and talent. As the world’s biggest microchip manufacturer, Taiwan could see further sustained advances up the DII ranks during the ongoing AI boom.” Top Takeaways from the DII Global July 2026 Update Key Risers: Taiwan, Liechtenstein, Ireland, Macau, IcelandKey Fallers: China, Russia, Kosovo, Belize, Qatar, New Zealand, Norway “As it celebrated its 250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026, the United States remains in first place on the DII Global rankings,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “The United States has a long, rich history of entrepreneurship, from countless small business owners to household names such as Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk. As China and Russia continue to decline in the DII Global, the U.S.’s long history of innovation and entrepreneurship is still being added to every day.” 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index US June 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup DII US Top 10 Sees Major Shakeup; Florida Retains 1st PlaceLegacy Tech Hubs California, Massachusetts, and New York All Register DeclinesEmerging Ecosystems Utah, Texas, Wyoming, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona Rise in Top 10New Hampshire and Colorado Fall in Top 10Tennessee Breaks into DII US Top 10; South Dakota Falls OutOklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin Post Largest GainsSouth Dakota, Kansas, and Washington See Largest Declines San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces the June 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. In the pursuit of continuing to integrate insightful, up-to-date information regarding state’s economic and business environments, the DII US has newly incorporated CNBC’s Top States for Business 2025 dataset. “California’s continued drop in the DII US is a monumental shift. While it still commands the highest overall venture capital growth, the state’s high cost of living and heavy regulatory burdens are actively driving entrepreneurs to look elsewhere to launch their startups,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “We are seeing the consequences of complacency in California. You cannot rely on a historical legacy of innovation if the current economic environment creates insurmountable barriers for new founders. Until the state addresses its core livability and regulatory issues, we expect this downward trend to continue.” the country – and globe.” Top Takeaways from the DII US April 2026 Update Key Risers: Utah, Texas, Wyoming, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, WisconsinKey Fallers: California, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Colorado, South Dakota, Kansas, Washington “This month’s DII US paints a clear picture: the old guard is struggling. With California, New York, and Massachusetts all slipping in the ranks, it’s evident that founders are no longer tethered to traditional coastal tech hubs and are instead flocking to states that offer better economic freedom and lower operational costs,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “The simultaneous declines of New York, Massachusetts, and California signal a massive decentralization of American innovation. High taxes, strict regulations, and towering costs of living in these legacy states are suffocating new business formation, allowing agile, pro-business states in the Sunbelt and Mountain West to capture an increasing share of the startup market.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index Global June 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index Global Nations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup Global Innovation Ecosystems Reshuffle — Canada Plummets Out of DII Global Top 10New Zealand Rises into the Top 10, India Sees Strong GainCyprus, Namibia, Argentina, and Zambia See Largest GainsVanuatu, Lebanon, Sint Maarten, and Tunisia Register Largest DeclinesCayman Islands Improves; Turkey FallsChina and Russia Remain Stable San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces its June 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 June 2026 DII Global includes a number of updates, including: Heritage’s Index of Economic Freedom, DHL’s Global Connectedness Rank, World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII), and inflation data from the World Bank. Despite constantly shifting global instability, many countries continue to drive forward with upgrading their innovation landscapes, helping them climb the DII Global rankings. “Canada’s abrupt departure from the DII Global Top 10 is a stark reminder that innovation ecosystems require constant care and attention,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Unfriendly policy frameworks, stagnant economic growth, and a cooling venture capital environment, particularly in crucial sectors like AI and Machine Learning, have quickly eroded their competitive edge on the global stage. Entrepreneurs thrive when property rights are secure and regulatory burdens are light. Without improving its policies geared toward innovation investment, Canada could continue to fall down the DII Global ranks. Top Takeaways from the DII Global June 2026 Update Key Risers: India, Argentina, Cyprus, Namibia, Zambia, Cayman IslandsKey Fallers: Canada, Turkey, Lebanon, Tunisia “This month’s DII Global highlights a definitive trend: nations that embrace economic freedom are seeing immediate dividends and illustrate how critical these foundational economic liberties are to launching successful ventures,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “The Heritage Index of Economic Freedom proved to be a major differentiator in June. As we observed with the massive climbs of Cyprus and Argentina, reducing bureaucratic friction and committing to open markets directly correlates with a thriving environment for startups and investors.” 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
Leane Pottas

Youth Entrepreneurship in Japan: Potential in a Cautious Culture

The Draper Innovation Index (DII) ranks Japan 17th in the world for innovation and entrepreneurship – a top-tier score reflecting strong performance across government quality, economic environment, and social sub-indices. By every structural measure, Japan should be one of the world’s most active startup nations. And yet, Japan has a well-documented reputation for caution when it comes to entrepreneurship. One commentator famously described it as “a country where young people don’t start businesses.” The data backs this up and understanding why, matters for anyone working in entrepreneurship education. The Numbers Tell a Clear Story Compared to global averages, Japan’s entrepreneurial participation is strikingly low: These numbers do not reflect a lack of capability. Japan is one of the most educated, innovative, and technically skilled nations on earth. What they reflect is culture, and culture can change. The Demographic Challenge Japan’s entrepreneurial scene is also shaped by a powerful demographic reality: it is one of the oldest demographic countries in the world, with a median age of 49.5. Over the last 30 years, the average age of a new entrepreneur in Japan has increased. The percentage of founders under 40 has been decreasing, while the share of those over 50 has been rising. This decline in youth entrepreneurship reflects the country’s broader aging population – a challenge affecting all aspects of its society and economy. Japan’s Strengths Are Significant Despite the cultural caution, Japan possesses immense underlying strengths that could fuel a new generation of entrepreneurs if properly activated: What Could Change This Japan has all the ingredients needed to produce a new generation of entrepreneurs. The challenge is putting them all together: Japan does not lack the talent, the infrastructure, or the ideas. What it needs is a cultural shift that makes entrepreneurship feel like a viable, respected, and exciting path for young people, the same shift that produced Sony, Nintendo, and Pokémon in an earlier generation. The foundation is already there. The next wave just needs to be encouraged to build on it. Explore Japan’s complete innovation ranking and the full Draper Innovation Index at https://bizworld.org/index/

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education
Leane Pottas

What Is Compass? BizWorld’s Self-Paced Entrepreneurship Program for Ages 16-22

Most schools teach young people facts and figures. Very few teach them how to think or how to build something that could change their future. That’s the gap that BizWorld’s newest program Compass, was designed to close. BizWorld’s new self-paced entrepreneurship program for young entrepreneurs takes students from raw passion, all the way through to a recorded business pitch in seven structured steps, on their own schedule, with no classroom required. You’ve Got the Drive. Now What? Most young people with a business idea (or idea of a problem that needs solving) hit the same wall. They’ve watched the YouTube videos. They’ve done the Googling. They still don’t know the actual next step. Compass meets them exactly there. Ayesha Madni, Director of Education at BizWorld, describes it simply: it’s for the young person having, “this really strong inner feeling that I want to do something about this but im not sure how to get going.” Whether that’s a problem they want to solve in their community, something they love doing and want to turn into a business, or simply a growing curiosity about entrepreneurship – Compass is built for that moment. What Is Compass? Compass is a 7-part, on-demand entrepreneurship program for young entrepreneurs aged 16–22. It’s self-paced, one-time payment, no subscription required, and designed to feel more like an engaging workshop than just traditional boring video content. What will you learn in the 7-part program? By the end, students don’t just have knowledge – they have a real output. A business pitch they can share with friends and family, post on social media, or use to apply for an accelerator like BizWorld’s YES! Program. Compass is More Than a Business Course What makes Compass different from the thousands of free resources already online isn’t just the content – it’s the sequence. Ayesha is deliberate about this: “You have to first unlock the mindset that you can do something new and unique, and then it takes you through step by step exactly what you need to hear and how to do it.” The skills built inside Compass go well beyond entrepreneurship. Goal setting, time management, creative problem-solving, leadership and the ability to pitch an idea confidently – these are life skills. As Ayesha puts it, “knowing how to communicate and pitch an idea applies whether you’re presenting at work, interviewing for a job, applying to university or speaking at your graduation.” Who Is Compass For? Compass was originally developed for students ages 16-22, but it has quickly attracted interest from homeschooling parents and educators looking to bring entrepreneurship into their classrooms. The self-paced, flexible format makes it easy to incorporate however works best for you. If you’re a student sitting on an idea, if you’ve always been interested in the idea of being an entrepreneur, or you even just have a strong feeling that you want to create something new, Compass is built for you. If you’re a parent or educator who wants to give a young person the mindset and skills to back themselves, Compass delivers that too. A Direct Path to YES! – BizWorld’s Young Entrepreneur Success Business Accelerator Program Compass sits intentionally just before BizWorld’s YES! Program in the BizWorld Trajectory of Programs. Where YES! is BizWorld’s accelerator for young entrepreneurial-minded individuals who are ready to build and pitch at a serious level, Compass is the on-ramp – the place where the idea gets refined and the young person gets ready to start their journey into entrepreneurship. The goal, as Ayesha describes it, is clear: complete Compass, develop your pitch, and take that idea forward into YES! and beyond. Start Now – Launch Offer Available Compass is available now for a limited time, for a one-time payment of $29.50 with the launch discount code COMPASS50 (regular price $59.00). No subscription, no meetings, start immediately on your own time. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment – Ayesha’s answer is straightforward: “There’s never the perfect time for anything. We must choose to create that time.” Today is the perfect day to start. Choose it! Start Compass now. Want to take your idea even further? Learn about BizWorld’s YES! Program or support young entrepreneurs building the next generation of businesses.

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index US May 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia Climb DII US Top 10Texas, Wyoming, and Arizona DropMissouri Breaks into DII US Top 20, Alaska Rises, North Dakota FallsCalifornia, New York, and Massachusetts SteadyOhio, Colorado, Delaware, and Wisconsin Post Largest GainsMontana, Oklahoma, and Wyoming See Largest Declines San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces the May 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “As always, new business formation (or the lack thereof) was a major factor this month,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “While states can’t directly create new entrepreneurs, one of the levers they can pull is the funding of entrepreneurial education. Young people have started some of the most iconic companies: think Steve Jobs and Apple, Walt Disney and his studio. The leading indicator of a state’s future economic competitiveness is the entrepreneurial mindset of its youth. Giving young people the tools and knowledge necessary to start their own businesses should be a priority for every state.  That is exactly the critical infrastructure BizWorld is building across the country – and globe.” Top Takeaways from the DII US April 2026 Update Key Risers: Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Colorado, DelawareKey Fallers: Wyoming, Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma “The shifting landscape of our DII US Top Ten proves that no state has a permanent monopoly on innovation. Entrepreneurs are highly mobile, and they will naturally migrate to the environments that offer the most opportunity,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “The states that are truly pulling ahead in our rankings are those embracing the future of finance, specifically cryptocurrency and blockchain. Colorado and Ohio are prime examples of how welcoming these new technologies attracts significant venture capital and drives economic momentum.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index Global May 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index Global Nations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup India, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar Register Largest GainsFinland Falls in DII Global Top 10; Singapore and Netherlands RiseNamibia, Micronesia, and Papua New Guinea See Largest DeclinesChina Sees No Change; Russia Sees Marginal GainGuatemala and Colombia RiseIreland and South Korea Rise in Top 20, New Zealand and Luxembourg Sink San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces its May 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 May 2026 DII Global update reflects the continued global instability stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “India was our biggest success story this month, jumping 14 spots in the DII Global rankings. Their unmatched growth in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning venture capital proves that AI is the new catalyst for entrepreneurial expansion on the world stage,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “Securing the largest increase in AI investments this month shows that global investors are highly confident in India’s potential to lead the next generation of tech entrepreneurship. India is the world’s sixth largest economy and has great entrepreneurial potential – its population of more than 1.4 billion, which is now the world’s largest, could support a massive new generation of entrepreneurs.“ Top Takeaways from the DII Global April 2026 Update Key Risers: India, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Singapore, Netherlands, Guatemala, ColombiaKey Fallers: Finland, Namibia, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea “The data this month makes one thing clear: nations that secure vital Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning venture capital, such as Singapore and the Netherlands, are actively climbing the ranks. It is the underlying engine driving global entrepreneurial competitiveness,” said BizWorld Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “If you look across the entire DII Global this month, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning investments are shifting the balance of power. Whether it is driving massive leaps for nations like India or providing the marginal edge Ireland and South Korea needed to overtake competitors in the top 20, AI capital is the ultimate differentiator in today’s global market. It is evident that nations failing to attract Machine Learning venture capital risk being left behind in the modern innovation race.” 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index US April 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Florida Retains Top Spot in DII US RankingsNew Hampshire Climbs into 2nd; Utah Slips to 3rdSouth Dakota and Arizona Rise in DII Top 10; Colorado and North Carolina FallCalifornia, New York, and Massachusetts See No ChangeMontana and Alaska Break into DII Top 20; North Dakota ImprovesArizona, Idaho, and Montana Post Largest GainsOklahoma, Ohio, and Nevada See Largest Declines San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces the April 2026 update to the Draper Innovation Index U.S. (DII US), which evaluates each state’s innovation environment and entrepreneurship climate. Published monthly since 2021, the DII US provides the most well-rounded, up-to-date ranking of entrepreneurial locations, reflecting both traditional and emerging economic metrics, from taxes and regulations to venture capital investment, cryptocurrency friendliness, and blockchain investment trends. “While traditional powerhouses like California, New York, and Massachusetts maintained their positions this month, they are no longer the default destinations for startups. The rapid rise of states like Idaho, Montana, and Arizona shows that innovation is truly becoming decentralized across the U.S.” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “In fact, Montana tied for this month’s largest jump. Montana’s impressive leap into the DII US Top 20 is a testament to the power of favorable tax policies. Entrepreneurs are actively migrating to states where their capital is respected, and Montana is clearly reaping those rewards.” Top Takeaways from the DII US April 2026 Update Key Risers: New Hampshire, South Dakota, Arizona, Idaho, MontanaKey Fallers: Utah, Colorado, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Nevada “The reshuffling we see in the Top 10, including South Dakota and Arizona’s rise, underscores how sensitive state rankings are to new business formation. Even with strong VC funding, a state must continue fostering grassroots entrepreneurship to stay competitive,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “The steep declines we saw this month in Oklahoma, Ohio, and Nevada serve as a cautionary tale. Without consistent new business formation and active adoption of emerging sectors like blockchain, states will quickly lose ground in the DII US.” The DII US will continue to post monthly updates which can be accessed here. About BizWorld BizWorld.org is a global non-profit organization based in San Mateo, CA, whose mission is to equip future generations with entrepreneurial life skills to unlock their potential and create economic opportunity. 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/

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Draper Innovation Index News
David Solis

Draper Innovation Index Global April 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index Global Nations Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places Globallyto Launch a Startup DII Global Top 10 Remains SteadyNepal, Jordan, Cook Islands, and Venezuela Register Largest GainsAzerbaijan, Seychelles, Namibia, and Zambia See Largest DeclinesChina, Russia, and India See No ChangeArgentina Rises in the DII Global RankingsLuxembourg and Iceland Rise in DII Global Top 20, Japan Breaks in at 20thSouth 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 “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/

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