KAUST has launched its first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled "Entrepreneurship Adventures" on edX, starting July 4, 2021. The gamified masterclass is the first entrepreneurship course in Arabic on the edX platform. It features industry experts like Amin Al-Nasser (Saudi Aramco) and Lubna Olayan (Saudi British Bank). Why it matters: The course aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, addressing the increasing demand for entrepreneurship education and supporting the Kingdom's startup ecosystem.
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.
28 student and faculty-led teams have been selected for the inaugural TAQADAM Accelerator Cohort at KAUST. The program is sponsored by the Saudi British Bank. Why it matters: This accelerator program will help foster entrepreneurship and innovation within the Saudi ecosystem.
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.