Insyab, a startup specializing in collaborative robotics and drone solutions, was founded by KAUST alumnus Dr. Ahmed Bader and KAUST Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini. Their flagship product, AirFabric™, is a broadband ultra-low-latency wireless connectivity solution enabling teams of unmanned vehicles to collaborate effectively. The technology allows robots to interact in real time and share learning, unlocking a "1+1=3" value proposition. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering deep-tech entrepreneurship and developing innovative solutions for industrial automation in the region.
Lucidya, a startup founded by Saudi entrepreneurs including KAUST alumnus Zuhair Khayyat, utilizes AI and Big Data to analyze social media content from platforms like Twitter and Facebook, as well as articles from 200 million websites in over 120 languages. The technology predicts user emotions, detects interests, and provides content analyses to customers for better decision-making. Lucidya commercially transformed the scientific research 'Tagreed' to start their company. Why it matters: This demonstrates the growing potential of Saudi startups in leveraging AI for data analysis and social media monitoring, and it showcases the role of KAUST in fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship within the Kingdom.
The TAQADAM Startup Accelerator Program, in partnership with KAUST and the Saudi British Bank (SABB), awarded over 2 million SAR to startups at its finals. 28 startups pitched ideas to judges and investors, marking the program's third year of equipping entrepreneurs with skills to launch tech startups. Since 2016, TAQADAM has graduated 78 startups and awarded over 9 million SAR in funding. Why it matters: The initiative highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and diversifying its economy by supporting innovative ventures across various sectors.
KAUST and the Saudi British Bank (SABB) are partnering in the TAQADAM Startup Accelerator program, supporting 82 entrepreneurs from 37 teams across 18 Saudi universities. The program offers up to SR75,000 ($20,000) in pre-seed funding from SABB, working spaces at KAUST, and mentorship over six months. The accelerator has awarded SR4.5 million ($1.2 million) in pre-seed funding to date and aims to contribute to economic development and job creation in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Why it matters: This collaboration fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, providing crucial resources for startups in key technology sectors like AI and fintech.
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.