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Draper Innovation Index News

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/

July 19, 2026 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

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/

July 19, 2026 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

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/

July 6, 2026 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

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/

July 6, 2026 No Comments

News & PR

From Pharmacy Student to Funded Founder: How Sakhi Patel Built CuraVoice Through BizWorld’s YES! Program

When Sakhi started building CuraVoice at the end of 2024, she wasn’t thinking about paid contracts, joining BizWorld’s YES! Program, or pitching her new MedTech startup at conferences. She was a third-year pharmacy student who had noticed a gap – healthcare schools teach students what to say to patients, but rarely how to say it. That observation became a platform. CuraVoice lets healthcare students practice real patient conversations with a custom AI voice agent, receive graded feedback and build the communication confidence that clinical training often skips. Today, the platform has over 550 users across more than 100 universities worldwide, and a paid workforce training contract with an independent pharmacy. Getting to this point though, required more than a good idea. Finding the Right Room Sakhi heard about BizWorld’s Young Entrepreneur Success (YES!) Program through a LinkedIn post from a previous cohort winner. At 21, she was still learning the language of startups – terms like customer acquisition cost, and lifetime value were new territory – and most accelerators she encountered weren’t built with students in mind. “A lot of big accelerators are not always built with a student in mind,” she explained how BizWorld’s YES! Program is differnt. “Just being in a space where you also see other young people like yourself is really motivating.” What drew her in wasn’t just the curriculum, it was the environment, one where not knowing something wasn’t a liability, and where every participant was just like her, figuring things out in real time. Treated Like a Founder, Not a Student Founder One of the things Sakhi kept coming back to was how BizWorld reframes the idea of a student entrepreneur. There’s an unspoken assumption in many programs that a student led project has an expiration date; that it ends when school does. BizWorld pushes back on that idea. Her mentor made it clear early on: don’t let the momentum stall on your ideas just because you’re still in class. The focus wasn’t on surviving the semester, it was on building something that would still be running in five or ten years. “That’s what differentiates this program,” Sakhi said. “It forces you to think long term.” A Safe Space to Get It Wrong One thing the startup world doesn’t always advertise is how much trial and error actually goes into building something. For young founders especially, that process can feel high-stakes – particularly in rooms full of people with decades more experience. BizWorld is deliberately different. The YES! Program is built around the idea that getting things wrong is part of the process, not a disqualifier. Sakhi described it plainly, “What better place to fail than in a very supportive environment surrounded by other young entrepreneurs that are all just trying?” That culture of a business accelerator program matters more than you realize. It means founders show up willing to test ideas, ask basic questions and change direction without it feeling like a setback. Sakhi herself didn’t expect CuraVoice to pivot into workforce training, that direction emerged through conversations, feedback and the willingness to keep questioning early assumptions. But BizWorld’s support doesn’t stop at encouragement. What makes the program genuinely distinctive is what happens after the final Demo Day pitch event where participants have the chance to take home $30,000 in funding. Winners aren’t handed a cheque and sent on their way, they’re brought back for structured six and twelve-month check-ins to report on how their funding is actually being used. It’s accountability built into the model, and it sends a clear message: this isn’t a school prize, it’s an investment in a real business! “BizWorld wants you to tell them, ‘Hey, in six months I said I would do this, and now I did it,’” Sakhi said. “That’s where treating us like real founders actually comes in.” Demo Day: A Different Kind of Pitch Competition The YES! Program’s pitch even Demo Day, isn’t structured like a typical pitch contest. There’s no fixed first, second or third place winners. Founders make their own funding ask, explain exactly what they’ll use the money for and the judges decide from there. This year, five companies walked away with funding between $2,000 to $10,000. But would you believe it that at first, Sakhi almost didn’t make it to Demo Day at all. Due to the quality of her pitch at the end of the YES Program’s 10-week accelerator, she wasn’t selected in the initial round to proceed to the finals at Demo Day, but a wildcard community vote – which she won – put her back in the room. She went on to deliver a new pitch, answer the judges’ questions with confidence and expertise, and walked away as the top-funded company, taking home $10,000. “I was not counting on being the absolute winner,” she said. “Seeing people really rally for me was good enough in and of itself.” So what will this new found investment be sued for? The funds are going toward cloud infrastructure to support CuraVoice’s growing data needs, conference attendance to reach pharmacy owners and hiring managers, and a targeted marketing push. BizWorld also builds in six and twelve-month check-ins to hold winners accountable – another signal that this is real investment, not a prize cheque. What’s Next for CuraVoice CuraVoice is expanding beyond the student market into workforce training, giving employers a credentialing layer to assess how well candidates can actually communicate with patients, not just what they know on paper. It’s a pivot that came directly from conversations at a pharmacy conference, where owners and hiring managers asked for exactly that tool. For Sakhi, the BizWorld experience didn’t end at Demo Day. The connections, mentorship and community have continued, which she says is exactly what young entrepreneurs need most. “There are spaces where you will feel supported,” she said. “but if you don’t try, you’ll never find them.” Support the Next Generation of Founders Many people are often surprised by the fact that the YES! Business Accelerator program is free

June 15, 2026 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

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/

May 19, 2026 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

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/

May 16, 2026 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

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/

May 14, 2026 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

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/

May 10, 2026 No Comments

Draper Innovation Index News

Draper Innovation Index US March 2026

BizWorld Updates Monthly Draper Innovation Index U.S.States Compete to Land in Top Ten of Best Places to Launch a Startup Texas Overtakes Wyoming for 4th, Utah Hangs Onto 2ndVirginia and Indiana Rise in DII US Top 20, Michigan and North Dakota SlipCalifornia and New York Decline; Massachusetts Remains SteadyOklahoma, Montana, and Ohio See Largest GainsIdaho, Kentucky, North Dakota, Maryland, and Kansas See Largest Drops San Mateo, California – BizWorld announces the March 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. “Entrepreneurship and innovation is the name of the game here at BizWorld,” said BizWorld Founder Tim Draper. “While mega-metros in California and New York might have the highest raw number of legacy businesses, that doesn’t necessarily translate to a top spot on the DII US. Their continued slide to 31st and 49th respectively tells the real story. An unfriendly tax or regulatory environment doesn’t just offset economic advantages—it actively drives the next generation of innovators and venture capital out of state. The rise of Texas to the number four spot highlights another critical aspect. The states that are actively leaning into emerging technologies, specifically by fostering friendly environments for cryptocurrency and blockchain venture capital, are the ones future-proofing their economies.” Top Takeaways from the DII US March 2026 Update Key Risers: Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, Ohio,Key Fallers: California, New York, Idaho, Kentucky, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota “New Hampshire currently ranks third on the DII US despite ranking 40th in GDP and 42nd in population size,” said BizWorld Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod. “Why? It proves that policy outweighs sheer size. By maintaining one of the most business-friendly tax environments in the country—with no sales or income tax—New Hampshire punches far above its weight class in attracting top-tier entrepreneurs.” 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/

April 22, 2026 No Comments

Tag: Mentors

Draper Innovation Index US July 2026

Draper Innovation Index Global July 2026

Draper Innovation Index US June 2026

Draper Innovation Index Global June 2026

From Pharmacy Student to Funded Founder: How Sakhi Patel Built CuraVoice Through BizWorld’s YES! Program

Draper Innovation Index US May 2026

Draper Innovation Index Global May 2026

Draper Innovation Index US April 2026

Draper Innovation Index Global April 2026

Draper Innovation Index US March 2026

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