
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/








