Thousands of innovators from over 200 countries converge in Indiana as the Global Entrepreneurship Congress returns to the U.S. for the first time in 15 years
By Heather Stone, Senior Correspondent
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2025 officially began on June 2 in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking a major moment for the United States as it hosts this world-class event for the first time in over a decade. The four-day summit, running through June 5 at the Indiana Convention Center, unites a diverse coalition of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and innovators from across the globe.
Launched in 2009, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) has become one of the most influential events for founders and startup leaders, drawing participation from over 200 countries each year. This year’s return to American soil is seen as both a celebration of entrepreneurial progress and a powerful platform for new global collaboration.
A Historic Return to U.S. Soil
The decision to bring GEC back to the U.S. after 15 years underscores America’s continued relevance as a powerhouse for innovation and entrepreneurship. Indianapolis, a city that has steadily transformed into a vibrant tech and startup hub, was selected as the host thanks to its thriving ecosystem, robust infrastructure, and commitment to inclusive economic development.
The selection marks a significant milestone for Indiana’s startup community. In recent years, the state has gained national attention for its fast-growing entrepreneurial scene, particularly in areas such as medtech, agtech, software development, and advanced manufacturing.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Headlining the congress is billionaire entrepreneur and Indiana University graduate Mark Cuban. Widely known for his role on the hit TV series “Shark Tank” and his disruptive ventures in health care and media, Cuban’s presence adds a high-profile layer of excitement to the proceedings. In his keynote address, he emphasized the importance of democratizing access to innovation and reducing barriers for underrepresented founders.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Indiana where my own journey began,” said Cuban. “Events like GEC are where the next wave of big ideas gets born, funded, and scaled.”
In addition to Cuban, the speaker lineup includes international business leaders, government ministers, venture capitalists, and top academics—all focused on accelerating entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusive global growth.
Global Goals and Local Impact
Though global in scope, the congress is having a meaningful impact on the local economy in Indianapolis. Hotels and restaurants in the downtown core are at full capacity, while local startups and tech companies are seizing the opportunity to showcase their innovations to an international audience.
Workshops and breakout sessions span a wide range of topics, from AI and climate tech to investment strategies, startup policy, and equitable economic development. These sessions aim to equip entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey—from ideation to IPO—with practical knowledge, connections, and funding opportunities.
One standout program is the “Ecosystem Builders Forum,” where policymakers and regional economic leaders collaborate on developing support systems that foster entrepreneurship in underserved communities. This year’s forum has a special focus on rural entrepreneurship and digital inclusion.
Building the Future of Innovation
Organizers have framed GEC 2025 around the theme of “Building Entrepreneurial Cities of the Future.” Through this lens, speakers and panelists are exploring how urban centers can support scalable innovation through infrastructure, education, access to capital, and inclusive policy frameworks.
A major announcement came on opening day, with several venture capital firms unveiling a $100 million fund to invest in Midwest-based startups over the next five years. The initiative is expected to have long-term ripple effects on local ecosystems often overlooked by coastal investors.
Another anticipated highlight includes the “Startup Nations Summit,” where government representatives discuss national strategies for fostering entrepreneurship, including incentives, immigration reforms, and intellectual property protection.
An Inclusive Approach to Economic Development
Unlike many tech-centered events, GEC emphasizes inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability. This year’s congress includes sessions tailored for women entrepreneurs, minority-owned businesses, veterans, and LGBTQ+ founders. Organizers have also implemented a green event strategy with minimal waste production and local sourcing of materials and catering.
GEC’s inclusive design is a direct reflection of its mission to make entrepreneurship more equitable and expansive, especially in the face of ongoing global economic uncertainties.
“It’s not just about the next unicorn startup,” said one panel moderator. “It’s about building resilient systems and supporting entrepreneurs who can solve real problems in their communities.”
Looking Ahead
As GEC 2025 continues through the week, participants are expected to take part in over 150 events, including pitch competitions, policy roundtables, hackathons, and innovation showcases. Many of these sessions are livestreamed to global audiences, expanding the congress’s reach beyond the Indiana Convention Center walls.
The impact of this year’s congress is likely to be felt long after the closing session. Organizers expect that new partnerships, investments, and policy ideas generated during the week will shape the future of entrepreneurship across continents.
With Indianapolis firmly on the map as a global innovation destination, local officials are hopeful that the legacy of GEC 2025 will catalyze a new chapter of growth for the region.
As the lights shine on Indiana, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress serves not just as a celebration, but as a rallying call—to dream, build, and connect in a world that increasingly depends on the boldness of entrepreneurs.