28 student and faculty-led teams have been selected for the inaugural TAQADAM Accelerator Cohort at KAUST. The program is sponsored by the Saudi British Bank. Why it matters: This accelerator program will help foster entrepreneurship and innovation within the Saudi ecosystem.
KAUST launched the third cohort of its TAQADAM startup accelerator program on February 8th. The program, a partnership between KAUST and SABB, aims to equip students, faculty, and recent Saudi graduates with the tools to launch tech companies. This year's cohort consists of 133 people from 42 startups, with 35% female participation. Why it matters: Accelerators like TAQADAM are crucial for fostering entrepreneurship and translating research into commercial ventures, contributing to Saudi Arabia's diversification goals.
TAQADAM, a KAUST-based accelerator program, awarded $1 million to 10 startups at its eighth annual showcase. To date, TAQADAM has supported 270 startups that have raised $297 million and created 3,569 jobs. The selected companies span climate monitoring, pharmaceutical supply chain, AI marketing, and healthcare. Why it matters: This funding and support highlights the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, fostered by KAUST and initiatives like TAQADAM, aimed at translating research into practical solutions and creating jobs.
The TAQADAM University Entrepreneur Accelerator program held a showcase at KAUST featuring 13 Saudi university startup teams. The program, sponsored by the Saudi British Bank (SABB), aims to develop early-stage entrepreneurs into high-potential startups. The overall winner was Telaa, offering an anti-corrosion coating using recycled crumb rubber. Why it matters: This multi-university accelerator boosts Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by fostering innovation and supporting the SME sector, providing crucial seed funding and mentorship for young entrepreneurs.
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.