Riyadh – Tokyo – Washington D.C. | June 2025
Exponeur has officially launched the Exponeur Academy, a flagship global entrepreneurship training program developed in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and SBI Holdings, with strategic support from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia and Entrepreneurship Vision.
Jointly announced from Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the United States, the Academy is designed to empower the next generation of innovators from around the world. It leverages the global stage of the World Expos to connect young entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and visibility they need to build scalable, impact-driven ventures.
Global Vision for Expo 2030 and Beyond
The mission of Exponeur Academy is to build a globally connected community of visionary entrepreneurs who can address pressing global challenges through innovation and collaboration. Spanning five years from Expo 2025 Osaka to Expo 2030 Riyadh, the Academy aims to train more than 750 young entrepreneurs through a competitive and immersive program that combines virtual learning, hands-on mentorship, and global exposure. Each year, up to 150 high potential founders from both developing and developed economies will be selected to participate. The curriculum is closely aligned with the thematic pillars of each Expo, including sustainability, health, digital transformation, and global cooperation. Fellows will gain entrepreneurial mindsets, business modeling skills, financial literacy, and real-world problem-solving capabilities.
Program Highlights
● Virtual & In-Person Training: A blended curriculum of masterclasses, mentorship, and experiential learning
● Mentorship & Investment Readiness: Access to a global mentor network and exposure to top investors
● Showcase Opportunities: Selected fellows will present their ventures at global events, including Expo Riyadh 2030
● Prize Trip to Expo 2025 Osaka: Winners will receive a fully funded trip and pop-up booth to showcase their startups
● Entrepreneurship Development Fund: Designed to close funding gaps, particularly in developing countries
2025 Cohort – Applications Now Open
Applications for the inaugural cohort are now open to young entrepreneurs aged 18–35 from around the world, with a special emphasis on underrepresented groups including women, minorities, and founders from developing economies. The first phase of the program will run from July 2 to July 14, 2025, featuring live virtual masterclasses, including:
● The Entrepreneurial + Scale-Up Mindset
● Financial Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs
● The Startup Sales Playbook for Real Impact
Top-performing fellows will compete for a fully funded prize trip to Expo 2025 in Osaka, where they will showcase their ventures at a dedicated pop-up booth, meet international investors, and engage with global innovation leaders.
Strategic Partner: SBI Holdings
SBI Holdings is a founding partner and strategic sponsor of the Exponeur Academy. Renowned for its leadership in innovation, venture capital, and cross-border collaboration, SBI Holdings plays a pivotal role in supporting the Academy’s global mission. Its involvement extends beyond sponsorship, contributing strategic insight, mentorship support, and access to international entrepreneurship networks. With a strong presence across Japan, Saudi Arabia, and global markets, SBI Holdings actively enables knowledge exchange, supports talent development, and helps connect high-potential entrepreneurs with global opportunities. As a key partner, SBI contributes to shaping a vibrant, borderless innovation ecosystem aligned with the vision of Expo 2025 Osaka and Expo 2030 Riyadh.