The third cohort of the NextEra startup bootcamp at KAUST has concluded, featuring 16 Saudi deep tech startups. The bootcamp, a collaboration between KAUST and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), focuses on transforming industries aligned with Saudi Arabia's national R&D priorities. Participating startups span sectors like EdTech (Bites), cybersecurity (Nua), and healthcare (Haven Scientific, HistoApp, Labayh). Why it matters: The NextEra program is fostering a local deep tech ecosystem, driving innovation and investment in areas critical to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.
The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) and KAUST hosted 20 Saudi startups at the 'NextEra' startup bootcamp, focusing on launching deep tech products. These startups specialize in fields like Generative AI, SpaceTech, and Green Tech. The KAUST-NTDP partnership aims to advance Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation goals by cultivating impactful startups. Why it matters: This initiative supports the growth of Saudi Arabia's deep tech sector, fostering innovation and aligning with the Kingdom's broader economic transformation objectives.
KAUST's Destination Deep Tech program has concluded with five international startups—CeEntek, Hopu, Insignes-Labs, Pasqal, and Proteinea—expanding into the MENA region. These startups, chosen for their advanced technologies, address societal challenges like food security, climate change, and health. Pasqal signed an MoU with Aramco and is collaborating with KAUST's Extreme Computing Research Center, while Insignes-Labs is piloting with Red Sea Farms. Why it matters: This program exemplifies KAUST's commitment to fostering a deep tech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, attracting global talent to align with Vision 2030 and tackle critical regional and global challenges.
24 startups from the seventh TAQADAM cohort at KAUST are preparing to pitch their business ideas to investors on March 3, 2024, after surviving the accelerator program. The startups received mentorship in product design, pricing, and legal matters. Example startups include Cognna (cybersecurity), BuildBench (construction platform), Talents Arena (AI recruitment), and Trh Capital (Shariah-compliant finance). Why it matters: This KAUST program highlights growing entrepreneurial activity and venture capital interest in Saudi startups, especially in areas like cybersecurity and AI.
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.