Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) 2026 | 03 Mar 2026

Source: IE

StartupBlink released the Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) 2026, which measures foundational business conditions like regulation, capital, and infrastructure using a 0–100 score.

Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI)

• About: The IBEI evaluates national business environments based on their accessibility, predictability, and low-friction systems for innovators. It focuses on inputs and enabling conditions for starting and scaling businesses, differentiating itself from outcome-based metrics like startup success rates.
• Methodology and Indicators: The index aggregates scores from over 30 measurable indicators across key pillars:
  • Regulation and Government: Ease of starting and operating a business, and regulatory friction.
  • Access to Capital & Financial Infrastructure: Funding availability and credit conditions.
  • Taxation: Incentives and tax conditions for businesses.
  • Digital Infrastructure: Internet speed, freedom, and connectivity.
  • Global Mobility & Openness: International accessibility, market perception, and governance stability.
• IBEI Rankings 2026: The United States ranked 1st with a perfect score of 100, while Singapore ranked 2nd and the United Kingdom ranked 3rd.
• India's Performance: India is ranked 54th globally with a score of 55.035. India is ranked ahead of China, which is placed 85th.
  • The report identifies India's business environment as being marked by robust regional strengths, reliable access to capital, a large market size, and a competitive cost structure.