KAUST ·
KAUST and SABB (Saudi British Bank) have partnered to launch a startup accelerator program. The program will be open to multiple universities in Saudi Arabia. Details on the application process and specific program focus are forthcoming. Why it matters: University-linked accelerators boost Saudi Arabia's innovation ecosystem by providing resources for young companies.
KAUST ·
KAUST and SABB have launched the fourth TAQADAM Startup Accelerator program, open to all entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia. The six-month program offers accepted startups 150,000 SAR in zero-equity grant funding, mentorship, and access to co-working and lab facilities. Startups can compete for an additional 375,000 SAR in follow-on funding at the end of the program. Why it matters: This initiative is key to supporting the growth of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and diversifying the Kingdom's economy, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
KAUST ·
KAUST and SABB will award 10 million SAR to entrepreneurs in the fourth TAQADAM Startup Accelerator program, doubling the zero-equity grants from previous years to 150,000 SAR per startup. 59 startups across sectors like agriculture, logistics, and healthcare have joined the cohort. Participating startups will receive expert mentorship and training, industry exposure, and funding to invest in growth and development without sacrificing equity. Why it matters: This increased funding and support from KAUST and SABB signals a strong commitment to fostering a thriving deep-tech startup ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, providing crucial resources and mentorship to promising ventures.
KAUST ·
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.
KAUST ·
KAUST and SABB are partnering to host a virtual demo day on March 10 for the TAQADAM Startup Accelerator. The 2020 cohort of 37 startup finalists, representing diverse industries, will pitch their ventures to investors and judges. The teams received 150,000 SAR in zero-equity grant funding and mentorship. Why it matters: The TAQADAM program is an important part of the Saudi entrepreneurship ecosystem, fostering early-stage entrepreneurs and contributing to the development of high-potential startups in the Kingdom.
KAUST ·
KAUST and SABB announced the winners of the TAQADAM startup accelerator program, awarding over 4 million SAR in zero-equity funding to 11 startups. 10 winners were selected by judges to receive 375,000 SAR each, with an additional People's Choice award of the same amount. The 2020 cohort included startups from eCommerce, HealthTech, EdTech and FinTech. Why it matters: This program highlights the growing entrepreneurship ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, fostering innovation across diverse sectors and attracting international interest.
KAUST ·
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.
KAUST ·
KAUST, in partnership with SABB, has opened applications for the 2021 TAQADAM Startup Accelerator, welcoming up to 60 startups. Each startup will receive 150,000 SAR in zero-equity grant funding, access to co-working spaces, training, and expert mentors during the six-month program. Saudi Arabian-based startups at all stages and international startups planning to expand into Saudi Arabia are encouraged to apply by April 10, 2021. Why it matters: This accelerator program provides crucial resources and funding for early-stage entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia, fostering innovation and contributing to the growth of the Kingdom's startup ecosystem.