UBI Global
VOL. 24
Official Website FAQ
Everything your incubator or accelerator needs to know about participation, eligibility, data submission, and results in the 2026 UBI Global World Ranking cycle.
Getting Started
1. What is the UBI Global World Ranking?
The UBI Global World Ranking recognizes high-performing incubators and accelerators worldwide. It identifies high-impact programs, recognizes best practices, and provides data-driven insights using a rigorous, proprietary methodology based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
2. What is the theme for the 2026 cycle?
The theme for WR26 is "Striving for Excellence." This reflects a long-term commitment to continuous improvement, emphasizing progress over perfection and recognizing organizations that actively invest in strengthening their ecosystem impact.
3. Who is the team behind the UBI Ranking?
The ranking is conducted by UBI Global, an international intelligence and benchmarking company headquartered in Sweden. Since 2013, UBI Global has been the neutral steward of the global incubator and accelerator industry.
4. Who can apply?
Any incubator or accelerator, university-linked, public, private, corporate, or hybrid, can participate. You just need to run a program that supports startups and be able to submit the required data during the participation window.
5. How do we enter?
Start by registering for the ranking during the open call on ubi-global.com/ranking. Once registered, you’ll complete a data submission through the portal. The submission is then validated and assessed against your peer group.
6. What value do we get from participating?
Participation gives you a structured way to validate your program’s performance and sharpen how you communicate it. Many organizations use the process to strengthen internal reporting, clarify their positioning, and align the team around measurable outcomes. Externally, it can improve credibility with funders, partners, and host institutions by providing an independent reference point.
7. Is participation in the ranking voluntary?
Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary. Organizations choose to participate to benchmark their performance against global peers and gain international visibility.
Eligibility &
Peer Groups
8. Are there specific eligibility criteria we must meet?
Yes. Organizations must demonstrate: an operational startup support program with a clear intake and graduation process; evidence of graduated and or exited startups; a minimum of six months of operational history; and a demonstrable contribution to the local startup ecosystem.
9. What organizations are NOT eligible?
Venture Builders, Startup Studios, Incubator Networks, and Meta-Incubators are generally not eligible for the standard ranking categories as their operational models differ significantly from the primary peer groups.
10. How are peer groups defined for fair comparison?
To ensure apples-to-apples comparisons, programs are grouped by type and size. For example, university-based incubators aren’t compared directly with corporate accelerators. Peer-grouping ensures comparisons remain relevant to your specific mandate and ownership profile.
11. Is the ranking industry-specific?
No. The 2026 World Ranking is industry-agnostic and lifecycle-agnostic, welcoming programs across all sectors and stages from pre-incubation to scale-up.
Process & Timeline
12. What is the timeline for the 2026 Ranking cycle?
Step 1 - Register (by March 31, 2026): Confirm your participation before the registration deadline.
Step 2 - Submit data (April 14 - May 13, 2026): Complete your submission in the portal within the official window.
Step 3 - Review & validation (April 21 - May 21, 2026): UBI Global validates submissions and follows up if clarifications are needed.
Step 4 - Official release (Mid-June 2026): Results are formally announced via a livestreamed event.
13. What happens after we apply?
Once you apply, UBI Global conducts a short assessment call to confirm your eligibility. If accepted, you will receive portal access and a Research Kit to help you prepare for data submission.
14. How long does the data submission process take?
While it depends on your internal data organization, the average submission takes a few hours. We recommend reviewing the Ranking Checklist and Methodology Kit beforehand to gather all necessary KPIs.
Data & Evaluation
15. What data do we need to provide?
You’ll supply basic program profile information plus performance indicators (KPIs) such as number of startups supported, economic outputs, and impact metrics. You’ll also share context about your model to ensure fair peer-grouping.
16. What Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measured?
The framework assesses four main domains:
Ecosystem Impact: Jobs created, sales revenue, and graduates.
Value for Client Startups: Services offered, mentoring hours, and investment attracted.
Value for the Program: Self-generated revenue and sponsorship.
Alumni Outcomes: Survival rates and qualified exits.
17. In what languages can we submit data?
Data submission is available in five languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and French.
18. What is the new voice-recording feature?
For the 2026 cycle, participants can use voice recordings for data validation, qualitative questions, and user clarifications to make the process more efficient.
19. Is our submitted data confidential?
Yes. Data is used solely for evaluation and benchmarking. UBI Global does not share participant-level raw data with third parties. Public announcements focus on outcomes and positions, not on exposing internal numbers.
20. What if we lack some metrics?
Provide your best available numbers and indicate how they’re derived. Transparency is valued; consistent definitions matter more than perfect figures.
21. What happens after we submit?
The data is checked for completeness and consistency, then evaluated using UBI Global’s methodology. You’ll be notified if clarifications are needed and informed of your results according to the published timeline.
Value &
Results
22. What do we receive for participating?
Every program that successfully completes the assessment receives: Official Assessment Certificate and Badge. Personalized Assessment Scorecard (a dashboard with impact and performance metrics). Access to UBI Academy (playbooks, publications, and webinars). Ranked participants receive additional official recognition and digital badges for marketing.
23. How does ranking benefit our stakeholders?
Ranking provides third-party recognition that can strengthen credibility with funders, partners, and your host organization. It helps you communicate performance more clearly using an externally validated reference point.
24. How much does it cost?
Active UBI Global Members: Free (included in membership). Non-Members: A one-time registration fee of EUR 450.
25. What do we need to prepare before we start?
Have your basic program facts ready (timeline, cohorts, startup counts) plus any impact reporting you already use (jobs, funding, partnerships, outcomes). Gathering these sources early usually cuts submission time significantly.
26. When and how are the final results officially announced?
At the official release in mid-June, UBI Global publishes the final 2026 World Ranking. Participants receive official recognition materials and guidance for how to communicate their status to stakeholders and the media.
27. Does UBI Global publish a full list of all participants?
No. To protect the credibility of the industry, UBI Global only publicly discloses ranking positions for the Top 20% of participants.
28. Can we upgrade to get more in-depth analysis?
Yes. There is a Deep Dive Expert Consultation add-on for EUR 800. This includes a 90-minute live presentation of your performance and a personal review of your results for your team or board.
29. Can we participate if we are a very small or new program?
Yes, as long as you have at least six months of operational history. The peer-grouping system ensures you are compared against programs with similar structures and stages.
30. What happens if we miss the 2026 cycle?
The World Ranking is conducted biennially. The next opportunity to participate after this cycle will be in Spring 2028.
DISPATCH
SUBSCRIBE
ARCHIVE
World Benchmark 2025
World Benchmark 2024
Impact Report 2023
OFFICES
Stockholm, SE
San Francisco, USA
UBI
VOL. 24
WORLD BENCHMARK
UBI Global
BRIEFING
DOSSIER
INDEX
Official FAQ
Everything your incubator or accelerator needs to know about participation, eligibility, data submission, and results in the 2026 UBI Global World Ranking cycle.
Getting
Started
1. What is the UBI Global World Ranking?
The UBI Global World Ranking recognizes high-performing incubators and accelerators worldwide. It identifies high-impact programs, recognizes best practices, and provides data-driven insights using a rigorous, proprietary methodology based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
2. What is the theme for the 2026 cycle?
The theme for WR26 is "Striving for Excellence." This reflects a long-term commitment to continuous improvement, emphasizing progress over perfection and recognizing organizations that actively invest in strengthening their ecosystem impact.
3. Who is the team behind the UBI Ranking?
The ranking is conducted by UBI Global, an international intelligence and benchmarking company headquartered in Sweden. Since 2013, UBI Global has been the neutral steward of the global incubator and accelerator industry.
4. Who can apply?
Any incubator or accelerator, university-linked, public, private, corporate, or hybrid, can participate. You just need to run a program that supports startups and be able to submit the required data during the participation window.
5. How do we enter?
Start by registering for the ranking during the open call on ubi-global.com/ranking. Once registered, you’ll complete a data submission through the portal. The submission is then validated and assessed against your peer group.
6. What value do we get from participating?
Participation gives you a structured way to validate your program’s performance and sharpen how you communicate it. Many organizations use the process to strengthen internal reporting, clarify their positioning, and align the team around measurable outcomes. Externally, it can improve credibility with funders, partners, and host institutions by providing an independent reference point.
7. Is participation in the ranking voluntary?
Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary. Organizations choose to participate to benchmark their performance against global peers and gain international visibility.
Eligibility &
Peer Groups
8. Are there specific eligibility criteria we must meet?
Yes. Organizations must demonstrate: an operational startup support program with a clear intake and graduation process; evidence of graduated and or exited startups; a minimum of six months of operational history; and a demonstrable contribution to the local startup ecosystem.
9. What organizations are NOT eligible?
Venture Builders, Startup Studios, Incubator Networks, and Meta-Incubators are generally not eligible for the standard ranking categories as their operational models differ significantly from the primary peer groups.
10. How are peer groups defined for fair comparison?
To ensure apples-to-apples comparisons, programs are grouped by type and size. For example, university-based incubators aren’t compared directly with corporate accelerators. Peer-grouping ensures comparisons remain relevant to your specific mandate and ownership profile.
11. Is the ranking industry-specific?
No. The 2026 World Ranking is industry-agnostic and lifecycle-agnostic, welcoming programs across all sectors and stages from pre-incubation to scale-up.
Process &
Timeline
12. What is the timeline for the 2026 Ranking cycle?
Step 1 - Register (by March 31, 2026): Confirm your participation before the registration deadline.
Step 2 - Submit data (April 14 - May 13, 2026): Complete your submission in the portal within the official window.
Step 3 - Review & validation (April 21 - May 21, 2026): UBI Global validates submissions and follows up if clarifications are needed.
Step 4 - Official release (Mid-June 2026): Results are formally announced via a livestreamed event.
13. What happens after we apply?
Once you apply, UBI Global conducts a short assessment call to confirm your eligibility. If accepted, you will receive portal access and a Research Kit to help you prepare for data submission.
14. How long does the data submission process take?
While it depends on your internal data organization, the average submission takes a few hours. We recommend reviewing the Ranking Checklist and Methodology Kit beforehand to gather all necessary KPIs.
Data &
Evaluation
15. What data do we need to provide?
You’ll supply basic program profile information plus performance indicators (KPIs) such as number of startups supported, economic outputs, and impact metrics. You’ll also share context about your model to ensure fair peer-grouping.
16. What Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measured?
The framework assesses four main domains:
Ecosystem Impact: Jobs created, sales revenue, and graduates.
Value for Client Startups: Services offered, mentoring hours, and investment attracted.
Value for the Program: Self-generated revenue and sponsorship.
Alumni Outcomes: Survival rates and qualified exits.
17. In what languages can we submit data?
Data submission is available in five languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and French.
18. What is the new voice-recording feature?
For the 2026 cycle, participants can use voice recordings for data validation, qualitative questions, and user clarifications to make the process more efficient.
19. Is our submitted data confidential?
Yes. Data is used solely for evaluation and benchmarking. UBI Global does not share participant-level raw data with third parties. Public announcements focus on outcomes and positions, not on exposing internal numbers.
20. What if we lack some metrics?
Provide your best available numbers and indicate how they’re derived. Transparency is valued; consistent definitions matter more than perfect figures.
21. What happens after we submit?
The data is checked for completeness and consistency, then evaluated using UBI Global’s methodology. You’ll be notified if clarifications are needed and informed of your results according to the published timeline.
Value &
Results
22. What do we receive for participating?
Every program that successfully completes the assessment receives: Official Assessment Certificate and Badge. Personalized Assessment Scorecard (a dashboard with impact and performance metrics). Access to UBI Academy (playbooks, publications, and webinars). Ranked participants receive additional official recognition and digital badges for marketing.
23. How does ranking benefit our stakeholders?
Ranking provides third-party recognition that can strengthen credibility with funders, partners, and your host organization. It helps you communicate performance more clearly using an externally validated reference point.
24. How much does it cost?
Active UBI Global Members: Free (included in membership). Non-Members: A one-time registration fee of EUR 450.
25. What do we need to prepare before we start?
Have your basic program facts ready (timeline, cohorts, startup counts) plus any impact reporting you already use (jobs, funding, partnerships, outcomes). Gathering these sources early usually cuts submission time significantly.
26. When and how are the final results officially announced?
At the official release in mid-June, UBI Global publishes the final 2026 World Ranking. Participants receive official recognition materials and guidance for how to communicate their status to stakeholders and the media.
27. Does UBI Global publish a full list of all participants?
No. To protect the credibility of the industry, UBI Global only publicly discloses ranking positions for the Top 20% of participants.
28. Can we upgrade to get more in-depth analysis?
Yes. There is a Deep Dive Expert Consultation add-on for EUR 800. This includes a 90-minute live presentation of your performance and a personal review of your results for your team or board.
29. Can we participate if we are a very small or new program?
Yes, as long as you have at least six months of operational history. The peer-grouping system ensures you are compared against programs with similar structures and stages.
30. What happens if we miss the 2026 cycle?
The World Ranking is conducted biennially. The next opportunity to participate after this cycle will be in Spring 2028.
DISPATCH
SUBSCRIBE
ARCHIVE
World Benchmark 2025
World Benchmark 2024
Impact Report 2023
LEGAL
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Data Protocol
OFFICES
Stockholm, SE
San Francisco, USA
UBI
UBI Global
VOL. 24
WORLD BENCHMARK
BRIEFING
DOSSIER
INDEX
Official FAQ
Everything your incubator or accelerator needs to know about participation, eligibility, data submission, and results in the 2026 UBI Global World Ranking cycle.
Getting
Started
1. What is the UBI Global World Ranking?
The UBI Global World Ranking recognizes high-performing incubators and accelerators worldwide. It identifies high-impact programs, recognizes best practices, and provides data-driven insights using a rigorous, proprietary methodology based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
2. What is the theme for the 2026 cycle?
The theme for WR26 is "Striving for Excellence." This reflects a long-term commitment to continuous improvement, emphasizing progress over perfection and recognizing organizations that actively invest in strengthening their ecosystem impact.
3. Who is the team behind the UBI Ranking?
The ranking is conducted by UBI Global, an international intelligence and benchmarking company headquartered in Sweden. Since 2013, UBI Global has been the neutral steward of the global incubator and accelerator industry.
4. Who can apply?
Any incubator or accelerator, university-linked, public, private, corporate, or hybrid, can participate. You just need to run a program that supports startups and be able to submit the required data during the participation window.
5. How do we enter?
Start by registering for the ranking during the open call on ubi-global.com/ranking. Once registered, you’ll complete a data submission through the portal. The submission is then validated and assessed against your peer group.
6. What value do we get from participating?
Participation gives you a structured way to validate your program’s performance and sharpen how you communicate it. Many organizations use the process to strengthen internal reporting, clarify their positioning, and align the team around measurable outcomes. Externally, it can improve credibility with funders, partners, and host institutions by providing an independent reference point.
7. Is participation in the ranking voluntary?
Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary. Organizations choose to participate to benchmark their performance against global peers and gain international visibility.
Eligibility &
Peer Groups
8. Are there specific eligibility criteria we must meet?
Yes. Organizations must demonstrate: an operational startup support program with a clear intake and graduation process; evidence of graduated and or exited startups; a minimum of six months of operational history; and a demonstrable contribution to the local startup ecosystem.
9. What organizations are NOT eligible?
Venture Builders, Startup Studios, Incubator Networks, and Meta-Incubators are generally not eligible for the standard ranking categories as their operational models differ significantly from the primary peer groups.
10. How are peer groups defined for fair comparison?
To ensure apples-to-apples comparisons, programs are grouped by type and size. For example, university-based incubators aren’t compared directly with corporate accelerators. Peer-grouping ensures comparisons remain relevant to your specific mandate and ownership profile.
11. Is the ranking industry-specific?
No. The 2026 World Ranking is industry-agnostic and lifecycle-agnostic, welcoming programs across all sectors and stages from pre-incubation to scale-up.
Process &
Timeline
12. What is the timeline for the 2026 Ranking cycle?
Step 1 - Register (by March 31, 2026): Confirm your participation before the registration deadline.
Step 2 - Submit data (April 14 - May 13, 2026): Complete your submission in the portal within the official window.
Step 3 - Review & validation (April 21 - May 21, 2026): UBI Global validates submissions and follows up if clarifications are needed.
Step 4 - Official release (Mid-June 2026): Results are formally announced via a livestreamed event.
13. What happens after we apply?
Once you apply, UBI Global conducts a short assessment call to confirm your eligibility. If accepted, you will receive portal access and a Research Kit to help you prepare for data submission.
14. How long does the data submission process take?
While it depends on your internal data organization, the average submission takes a few hours. We recommend reviewing the Ranking Checklist and Methodology Kit beforehand to gather all necessary KPIs.
Data &
Evaluation
15. What data do we need to provide?
You’ll supply basic program profile information plus performance indicators (KPIs) such as number of startups supported, economic outputs, and impact metrics. You’ll also share context about your model to ensure fair peer-grouping.
16. What Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measured?
The framework assesses four main domains:
Ecosystem Impact: Jobs created, sales revenue, and graduates.
Value for Client Startups: Services offered, mentoring hours, and investment attracted.
Value for the Program: Self-generated revenue and sponsorship.
Alumni Outcomes: Survival rates and qualified exits.
17. In what languages can we submit data?
Data submission is available in five languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and French.
18. What is the new voice-recording feature?
For the 2026 cycle, participants can use voice recordings for data validation, qualitative questions, and user clarifications to make the process more efficient.
19. Is our submitted data confidential?
Yes. Data is used solely for evaluation and benchmarking. UBI Global does not share participant-level raw data with third parties. Public announcements focus on outcomes and positions, not on exposing internal numbers.
20. What if we lack some metrics?
Provide your best available numbers and indicate how they’re derived. Transparency is valued; consistent definitions matter more than perfect figures.
21. What happens after we submit?
The data is checked for completeness and consistency, then evaluated using UBI Global’s methodology. You’ll be notified if clarifications are needed and informed of your results according to the published timeline.
Value &
Results
22. What do we receive for participating?
Every program that successfully completes the assessment receives: Official Assessment Certificate and Badge. Personalized Assessment Scorecard (a dashboard with impact and performance metrics). Access to UBI Academy (playbooks, publications, and webinars). Ranked participants receive additional official recognition and digital badges for marketing.
23. How does ranking benefit our stakeholders?
Ranking provides third-party recognition that can strengthen credibility with funders, partners, and your host organization. It helps you communicate performance more clearly using an externally validated reference point.
24. How much does it cost?
Active UBI Global Members: Free (included in membership). Non-Members: A one-time registration fee of EUR 450.
25. What do we need to prepare before we start?
Have your basic program facts ready (timeline, cohorts, startup counts) plus any impact reporting you already use (jobs, funding, partnerships, outcomes). Gathering these sources early usually cuts submission time significantly.
26. When and how are the final results officially announced?
At the official release in mid-June, UBI Global publishes the final 2026 World Ranking. Participants receive official recognition materials and guidance for how to communicate their status to stakeholders and the media.
27. Does UBI Global publish a full list of all participants?
No. To protect the credibility of the industry, UBI Global only publicly discloses ranking positions for the Top 20% of participants.
28. Can we upgrade to get more in-depth analysis?
Yes. There is a Deep Dive Expert Consultation add-on for EUR 800. This includes a 90-minute live presentation of your performance and a personal review of your results for your team or board.
29. Can we participate if we are a very small or new program?
Yes, as long as you have at least six months of operational history. The peer-grouping system ensures you are compared against programs with similar structures and stages.
30. What happens if we miss the 2026 cycle?
The World Ranking is conducted biennially. The next opportunity to participate after this cycle will be in Spring 2028.
DISPATCH
SUBSCRIBE
ARCHIVE
World Benchmark 2025
World Benchmark 2024
Impact Report 2023
LEGAL
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Data Protocol
OFFICES
Stockholm, SE
San Francisco, USA
UBI