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.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched the ‘Applied AI Bootcamp’ in Riyadh. The program aims to train participants on the practical applications of AI technologies. It seeks to equip them with the skills needed to develop AI-powered solutions across various sectors. Why it matters: This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to build a skilled AI workforce and advance its national AI strategy.
SDAIA Academy has launched an Applied AI Bootcamp in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bootcamp aims to equip participants with practical AI skills. The program focuses on hands-on experience and real-world applications. Why it matters: This initiative contributes to developing local AI talent and supports Saudi Arabia's national AI strategy.
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.
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.
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.