Emerging Ecosystems Ranking 2026 (Top 100)

Emerging ecosystems are startup communities at earlier stages of growth. The methodology for ranking the Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems is designed to reflect this, showcasing the ecosystems displaying high potential to become top global performers in the coming years. The factor weights used to rank these ecosystems differ slightly from those used with the top ecosystems to reflect their emerging status and emphasize the factors that have more influence in ecosystems that are just beginning to grow. Less weight is given to the number of exits over $50 million, and startup activity is more focused on early-stage funding than in the Top 40 ecosystems.

For more information, please refer to the Methodology section of the report.

Key Findings

Mumbai enters the Emerging Startup Ecosystem rankings at #1, making it the top Emerging Startup Ecosystem globally this year.
Detroit made a strong debut in the Top 15, entering at #11 after jumping more than 10 positions.
Jakarta, last year's #2 Emerging Ecosystem, saw the most significant decline in the Top 20, dropping more than 10 positions to #16.
Tampa Bay made the most significant leap within the Top 30, jumping more than 30 positions to the 21-30 range.
Nashville made impressive progress, climbing more than 20 positions to the 21-30 range.
Orlando moved up more than 10 positions to the 21-30 range, reflecting growing startup activity in Florida.
Kuala Lumpur slipped more than 15 positions to the 31-40 range, despite remaining a key Southeast Asian startup hub.
Auckland made the most dramatic climb of any ecosystem in the Top 40 Emerging rankings, surging more than 75 positions to the 31-40 range.
Tallinn made notable progress among European ecosystems, climbing more than 10 positions to the 31-40 range.
Chengdu made a strong move, rising more than 20 positions to the 31-40 range.
Indianapolis climbed more than 20 positions to the 41-50 range, continuing North America's strong showing across the Emerging Ecosystems.
Abu Dhabi made notable progress among MENA ecosystems, climbing more than 10 positions to the 41-50 range.
Sri Lanka recorded the biggest overall jump in the entire Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems, climbing more than 65 positions to the 71-80 range.
Luxembourg made an impressive jump, climbing more than 50 positions to the 81-90 range.
Cleveland made an impressive leap, jumping more than 45 positions to the 61-70 range.
Omaha-Lincoln surged more than 35 positions to the 81-90 range, marking one of the strongest performances in the lower half of the rankings.

Compare this year’s ranking to the 2025 Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems.