WSA Lebanon has extended the deadline for its 2026 call for applications to October 30, 2026. The national programme is looking for Lebanese digital innovations that create meaningful impact at home. Selected solutions will represent Lebanon at the global World Summit Awards.
WSA is represented in Lebanon by the Professional Computer Association of Lebanon (PCA Lebanon), and this year's call runs in partnership with the Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park at the American University of Beirut. Hussein Ayoub, WSA's National Expert in Lebanon, said the extension is meant to draw more strong nominations from Lebanese founders and startups.
A UN-born award that judges impact, not hype
The World Summit Awards started in 2003 as an Austrian initiative within the framework of the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society. Its aim is to promote digital innovation, close the digital divide, and show how technology can improve people's lives. Two decades later, its network spans 182 countries.
Unlike a typical tech competition, WSA puts most of its weight on local impact. It rewards solutions that tackle real problems in their own communities and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Winners gain international visibility and access to a global network of innovators, experts, and partners.
Eight categories open to Lebanese applicants
Applications are open in eight categories: Government and Citizen Engagement, Health and Wellbeing, Learning and Education, Environment and Green Energy, Culture and Heritage, Smart Settlements and Urbanization, Business and Commerce, and Inclusion and Empowerment.
From Anghami to Podeo: Lebanon's record at WSA
Lebanon has a long track record at the awards. Past Lebanese winners include Anghami in 2016, Proximie in 2018, eFlow Education in 2021, The Volunteer Circle in 2022, Wakilni in 2023, and Podeo in 2024.
In June 2019, Beirut hosted the WSA Digital Arab Innovation Forum, organised by PCA Lebanon. The event brought entrepreneurs, innovators, and international experts from across the Arab region together for discussions, workshops, pitching sessions, and networking.
What happens after the Lebanese round
Shortlisted solutions go before an international Grand Jury in January 2027. The jury selects 40 WSA Global Winners, five in each category.
All 40 winners are invited to the WSA Global Congress in February or March 2027 to meet international experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners. During the Congress, eight Global Champions, one per category, are named at the awards ceremony. WSA notes that these international dates are indicative and subject to its confirmation.
Anghami, Wakilni, and Podeo were all judged on what they changed for people at home. Lebanese applicants in 2026 will be measured the same way.
Lebanese founders can apply until October 30, 2026 on the WSA Lebanon page.
