Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2026

Ecosystem builders are essential to the growth of startups and young innovators, providing the networks, resources, and collaborative environments needed to transform ideas into impactful ventures. Washington University of Science and Technology Foundation form a one-stop global innovation ecosystem that integrates academic excellence, research infrastructure, entrepreneurial training, and international partnerships under a single unified platform. Through the WISE Accelerator (WUST Incubator for and Startups and Entrepreneurs), innovators gain access to a boundary-less space for experimentation, mentorship, prototype development, and cross-border collaboration. WISE removes traditional limitations by offering global support systems—connecting founders to international experts, diverse markets, funding pathways, and industry leaders. This global reach is increasingly necessary as startups operate in interconnected markets where competitive advantage depends on international exposure, multidisciplinary learning, and access to worldwide networks. The integrated WUST Foundation–WISE model strengthens innovation pathways by providing end-to-end support: skill development, business model refinement, technical guidance, funding readiness, and opportunities for global scaling. Young innovators, who often face gaps in exposure, entrepreneurial education, and professional networks, benefit from inclusive learning environments and structured programs that accelerate their growth. Overall, this ecosystem demonstrates how strategic collaboration and boundary-less innovation spaces empower startups and young innovators to move from ideas to impact—contributing meaningfully to economic development, technological advancement, and global entrepreneurship.

Priya Kothari serves as Executive Director of the Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST) Foundation, USA, where she leads global initiatives focused on women’s entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and inclusive innovation. Through strategic partnerships and programs such as the WISE Accelerator, she works to build sustainable innovation ecosystems that connect academia, industry, government, and communities to empower entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide.

She is also a Global Leader with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, working across more than 200 countries, and an Executive Founding Member of Youth Aid Foundation, India. Priya initiated one of India’s largest grassroots young entrepreneurs’ summits, active across 25 states, promoting entrepreneurship movements and supporting more than 50,000 entrepreneurs. She is the youngest Board Director of CYDA India and a World Bank Youth Summit Innovation Lab winner, recognized for her creative solution in innovation and sustainable impact.

Priya Kothari serves as Executive Director of the Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST) Foundation, USA, where she leads global initiatives focused on women’s entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and inclusive innovation. Through strategic partnerships and programs such as the WISE Accelerator, she works to build sustainable innovation ecosystems that connect academia, industry, government, and communities to empower entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide.

She is also a Global Leader with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, working across more than 200 countries, and an Executive Founding Member of Youth Aid Foundation, India. Priya initiated one of India’s largest grassroots young entrepreneurs’ summits, active across 25 states, promoting entrepreneurship movements and supporting more than 50,000 entrepreneurs. She is the youngest Board Director of CYDA India and a World Bank Youth Summit Innovation Lab winner, recognized for her creative solution in innovation and sustainable impact.