KAUST startups, including Sadeem (a wireless sensor system for flood monitoring), have won top prizes in entrepreneurship competitions such as GITEX Future Stars, ArabNet Riyadh, and the Oqal Best Entrepreneur Award. Sadeem won Best Global Startup at GITEX and took home $100,000. KAUST supports early-stage startups through accelerator programs like TAQADAM and 9/10ths, as well as the KAUST Research & Technology Park. Why it matters: This success highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom's growing startup ecosystem and economic diversification efforts.
Five KAUST startups, graduates of programs like TAQADAM and 9/10ths Accelerator, each secured $50,000 at the Misk Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC). Sadeem CEO Mustafa Mousa highlighted KAUST's role in supporting their flood-safety technology venture. KAUST will host a bootcamp for the finalists in preparation for the EWC Global Finals in Riyadh. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's increasing role in fostering deep-tech entrepreneurship and supporting Saudi Arabia's innovation ecosystem.
Three KAUST startups, iyris, Oaesis, and UnitX, were selected in the top 10 at the Startup Istanbul international competition out of 90,000 applicants. iyris secured third place with its technology, while Oaesis developed a laser-based energy-efficient lighting system for indoor farms. KAUST supports emerging companies from ideation to marketing and financial support. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's role in fostering innovation and contributing to Saudi Arabia's knowledge-based economy by supporting promising startups on the global stage.
The 2018 TAQADAM Accelerator Showcase, a partnership between KAUST and SABB, awarded SAR 2.25 million in follow-on funding to winning startups. 24 startup graduates from 11 universities in Saudi Arabia participated, each having received SAR 75,000 in initial grant funding. Winning startups included Wayakit, with an instant laundry spray, and EDAMA Organic Solutions, focused on converting organic waste into soil conditioners. Why it matters: This accelerator program highlights the growing focus on deep tech innovation and entrepreneurship within Saudi Arabia's research and business ecosystems.
KAUST's Spring Seed Fund Gala recognized three winning teams from its spring funding round. The winning projects include "I3-Waste CO2 to Commercial Products," "ONCOGENOMICS - Highly Accurate Test for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer," and "ZAD - Microbes to improve agriculture under drought, heat and salinity." The Seed Fund aims to empower faculty, researchers, and students to turn their ideas into successful businesses, providing the Kingdom with innovative startups and jobs. Why it matters: This KAUST Seed Fund supports promising research with commercial potential, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.