With Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan set in motion, the Kingdom is poised for growth within the next few years. Putting startup development as one of the top 3 priorities, the program calls for a robust entrepreneurship environment to raise SME GDP contributions from 20% to 35% by 2030. To achieve this goal, the plan includes the establishment of a network of incubators, accelerators, and workspaces in Saudi Arabia.
In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of startup incubators and accelerators in Saudi Arabia. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation', 'launch', or 'growth' stages, so whichever stage you're in, you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Saudi Arabia
The complete list of ideation phase incubators in Saudi Arabia:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs without an idea / Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: No
Focus: Technology, Female Founders
To provide equal access and build a more innovative environment for all entrepreneurs, Blossom Accelerator was created as the first female-focused and inclusive accelerator in Saudi Arabia. They run a pre-accelerator program for aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or growing their companies to encourage and educate future female entrepreneurs and advance existing female-led business in the MENA region. The program runs for 10 weeks virtually and covers all the fundamental startup-building knowledge, including idea generation, prototyping, business models, pitching, and more.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Healthcare & Medical
The Startup Avicenna program will help you grow your idea to the next level. The program is customized according to the requirements of individual startups. You will work with a coach to validate your idea and create a scalable business plan, marketing strategy, and growth plans. You will also gain the opportunity to access a network of specialists, industry professionals, and investors in a welcoming environment.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Saudi Arabia
The complete list of launch phase startup incubators and startup accelerators in Saudi Arabia:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AgriFoodTech
Aiming to disrupt the Jordan and Arab World's most significant industry - agriculture, HASSAD organizes an accelerator program for startups in the Agritech and Agri-food value chain. The program is designed to help businesses test their solutions and develop their business models. The process includes interacting with experts and one-on-one coaching sessions as well as conducting on-site farm visits to develop the business model canvas, product, development, and more. At the end of the program, startups should have completed a clear growth plan and final deck to pitch for investments.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Creative
Ibda3 is a startup accelerator that is dedicated to the creative industries, varying from script writing, filmmaking, music, fashion, visual arts, and any other creatives. The program offers industry-specific assistance that is tailored to the needs of each unique entrepreneur. The program involves strategic coaching and operational consulting to assist you in idea validation and business plan creation. You'll also gain the opportunity to do on-the-ground practice to create and test your service or MVP with industry professionals.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Ecommerce, Retail, Waste Management, Technical Infrastructure, Hospitality, Cultural Events / Islamic Tradition, Sacred Places, Spiritual Needs, IoT, HealthTech, Special Needs & Mobility, Awareness & Rehabilitation, Media Worker Qualification, Environmental, Accommodation, Safety & Security, Announcements, Translation / Interpreter, Subsistence Quality Navigation, Travel Services, Transportation & Crowd Management
Nomow Business Incubator is a seed investment program that offers seed capital, strategic mentorship, focused training, legal support, office space, and networking opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. Through their extensive network of mentors, partner organizations, and investors; they foster an environment to expedite your growth. They provide entrepreneurs with access to the best resources, knowledge, and tools from their network to help startups remain competitive in the global market.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech
As the prime venture capitalist in the MENA region, Flat6Labs is actively running the region's most well-known startup programs. Supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Flat6Labs run multiple programs to help Saudi entrepreneurs to effectively launch and scale their enterprises to reach regional and international waters.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
As the first company licensed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to manage incubators and accelerator programs, BIAC Innovation Center has operated over 10 business incubators and accelerator programs. BIAC works to facilitate innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by creating, running, supporting, and improving the innovation ecosystem in a variety of business sectors.
TAQADAM
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
TAQADAM accelerator assists entrepreneurs in pushing the frontiers of what's possible by providing them with the funding, tools, and hands-on resources to define, improve, and realize their business ideas. Through the 6-month programs, entrepreneurs will be coached through mentorship and focused seminars on product design, market fit, business model planning, team building, and fundraising.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Techstars is a renowned accelerator that runs programs all across the globe, including an accelerator program in Riyadh aimed at tech entrepreneurs in the MENA region to create and expand their businesses. Through the 3-month program, startups will participate in workshops with curated materials and plenty of learning opportunities, as well as access to the best mentors and unequaled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni to accelerate their growth.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Water Technology, E-Fuels, Green Hydrogen
OXAGON Accelerator is a 12-week program designed to empower innovators and assist them in delivering their products from the lab to market. Conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the program will provide participants with expertise, technical knowledge, tools, and network to assist local start-ups in turning their ideas into viable enterprises.
Growth Stage Accelerators in Saudi Arabia
The complete list of growth stage accelerators in Saudi Arabia:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Falak runs a hybrid hub that combines a company incubator, accelerator, coworking space, and angel investment firm to uncover, empower, and build the GCC's next unicorn firms. They offer three primary startup programs: the Flagship Acceleration Program, Startup Bootcamps, and Pitch to The Angel Network. The Flagship Acceleration program is Saudi Arabia's first angel-backed acceleration program for post-MVP startups. Within three months, the program will assist startups in developing, growing, and preparing for Series A/B investment.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Run by the world-renowned Global 500, the Sanabil 500 MENA Seed Accelerator is aimed at tech startups in the MENA region looking to grow. The program provides founders with exclusive mentorship and programming from 500 Global mentors that cover topics around foundations and growth, along with real opportunities to conduct growth experiments and customer interviews. Selected firms may also receive an equity investment of USD $100,000+.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Misk Accelerator is an accelerator program designed to accelerate the development and expansion of tech firms operating or expanding in the Saudi market. Within the intensive 12-week program, startups will be provided with mentorship, resources, and tools that include several training modules, including business strategy, marketing, and sales.
Closing Thoughts on Joining a Startup Accelerator or Incubator in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appears to be on track to realizing its Vision 2030. With finances and a support system in place, as well as enthusiastic creators, innovators, and risk-takers, the country's startup ecosystem is a rising star in the MENA region. For aspiring entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia, this is an exciting and opportune time to get involved in this booming entrepreneurial environment.
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