KAUST, in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin and the U.S. Consulate General Jeddah, completed a bootcamp for 45 Saudi-based female founders. The "Empowering Saudi Women Through Entrepreneurship" program aims to build entrepreneurial capabilities and expand access to markets. Participants engaged in branding, fundraising, and pitching sessions, with finalists receiving further training at UT-Austin. Why it matters: The initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering female entrepreneurship and diversifying the economy, potentially leading to innovative solutions for Saudi societal challenges.
KAUST launched the ShenTech Bootcamp in Shenzhen, China, in collaboration with Shenzhen InnoX Academy, hosting 45 Saudi startup founders and students. The program, which ran from January 4-18, 2024, focused on equipping participants with business strategies and technical skills for developing market-ready products. KAUST also created a master’s degree graduate program: Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) which includes an immersive startup innovation experience in Shenzhen. Why it matters: This initiative fosters knowledge exchange and collaboration between Saudi and Chinese innovators, aligning with Saudi Arabia's efforts to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem and develop hardware and software products.
Twelve Saudi startups pitched at the 9/10ths Startup Accelerator showcase in Riyadh, presenting diverse business concepts. Half of the finalist teams were led by Saudi female entrepreneurs. Fixtag, Innoras, Dhad, and Magadeer received grant funding from a panel of judges representing various investment firms. Why it matters: The 9/10ths program demonstrates growing investment and support for entrepreneurship and innovation across Saudi Arabia, with a focus on female leadership and high-potential startups.
KAUST's TAQADAM Accelerator program has commenced its fourth cohort virtually, featuring 59 startups and 168 entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Egypt. This year marks the first time international startups have been accepted into the program, which offers up to SAR 150,000 in zero-equity funding. The bootcamp includes intensive training, workshops, mentorship, and guest speakers from UC Berkeley and GEN. Why it matters: This accelerator is a key initiative by KAUST and SABB to foster entrepreneurship and technological innovation in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.
KAUST's Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (TIE) program and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) are collaborating to train Saudi entrepreneurs. The "Startup Founder Leadership Program," co-developed with SDA Bocconi, provided five-day intensive training to 28 participants selected from 147 applicants. The program focused on marketing, communication, finance, and entrepreneurship management skills. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the focus on developing local talent and fostering innovation within Saudi Arabia's evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.