Entrepreneurship in KSA

NOMADD was created with an aim to develop technology that can ensure solar generators can technically and commercially thrive in harsh desert-like terrains.

"Monsha'at strives to diversify the funding sources for enterprises, support the initiatives within the venture capital sector, and develop policies and standards for funding small and medium projects."

"GEC 2022 marks the entrepreneurial rise of the Middle East, and of Saudi Arabia's potential as an innovation hub for the region," said H.E. Saleh Ibrahim Alrasheed, Governor of Monsha'at.

The event, which was powered by both KAUST and SABB, was attended by an in-person audience of investors, business leaders, and other entrepreneurs.

Held as a live hybrid event on March 10, 2022, 10 startups will be vying for the US$100,000 cash prize up for grabs, as well as a $100,000 prize for an 11th startup selected by the online and in-person audience.

58 founders from 23 startups will showcase what they've been working on during the program to an audience of investors, business leaders and other entrepreneurs.

The participating students, from over 18 universities across Saudi Arabia, were also recent graduates of KAUST's latest online course Entrepreneurship Adventures.

Insights from some of the key speakers during the first edition of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology's open online course, Entrepreneurship Adventures.

As the first university to become a member of the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCPEA), KAUST will ensure that its KAUST Innovation Ventures plays a greater role in the country's deep-tech ecosystem.

With this year's bootcamp now wrapped, our latest TAQADAM cohort will now reimagine and reignite their work before diving into the accelerator program.

With plans to have a fully functioning state-of-the-art genetic testing facility in Saudi Arabia by the first quarter of 2022, NoorDX's aim is to localize genetic testing in the country to ensure that it no longer needs to be done in overseas labs.

Talon Dust Control's mission is simple: to negate the operational, maintenance as well as health-related challenges that arise due to poor industrial or on-site air quality.

Finding a supportive community can be the difference between founding the next gamechanger, or giving up at the first setback.

The KAUST-based fund has supported around 71 startups and projects since its inception, and it is currently managing a growing portfolio of 27 startups, in which it has invested a total of US$27 million.

Edama Organic Solutions is on a mission to transform organic waste into resources for desert agriculture, and thereby aligning social, fiscal, and environmental benefits of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 with the United Nations Social Development Goals.

With a vision to reduce food insecurity, carbon, and freshwater use in the MENA region's food sector (and hopefully, across the world), Red Sea Farms develops sustainable, saltwater-based agriculture systems.

Launched in July 2020, Boonus is a fintech company that specializes in providing loyalty and rewards programs by enabling retailers and merchants to curate their own loyalty solutions.

Built as a platform that provides in-home as well as online services for people with pets, Vetwork was launched in early 2019, and is now looking to further its services in the telemedicine sector.

Built as a software as a service (SaaS) platform, Miqyas helps online fashion retailers precisely measure clothing sizes for customers.

TAQADAM was particularly helpful in kickstarting UnitX, especially when it comes to the emotional support to the founding team.

By providing ride-sharing, ride-hailing, parcel delivery, booking in advance, and tourism trips all in one platform, the startup is aiming to become the next super app of the region.