Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: TAQADAM has awarded a $1 million funding pool to 10 promising startups at its eighth annual showcase, held in February 2025.
The accelerator program, led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), aims to foster entrepreneurship and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s tech ecosystem, according to an official press release.
Since its inception, TAQADAM has supported 270 startups, helping them collectively raise $297 million in funding and create 3,569 jobs.
Ian Campbell, Vice President of the KAUST National Transformation Institute, emphasized the program’s role in shaping the future of Saudi entrepreneurship. He said: “TAQADAM is just one of the many programs we have for taking Saudi tech companies into the global market and bringing foreign companies into Saudi Arabia, where they create jobs.”
Mai Bin Dayel, SAB’s Head of Communication and ESG underscored the bank’s commitment to fostering innovation, commenting: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to fostering growth, creativity, and sustainable impact in the region. Together, we look forward to helping these startups scale new heights and achieve their full potential.”
The selected startups span various industries, from artificial intelligence and climate tech to real estate and e-commerce. Among them, Airmo is developing satellite intelligence for real-time greenhouse gas tracking, while Juleb is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical supply chain with AI-powered ERP solutions. Mare Custos is advancing marine industries with underwater robotics, and Markopolo is enhancing customer engagement through AI-driven marketing.
NeonRain is empowering gamers to monetize custom content, while Nuzul is streamlining real estate management with a digital platform for rentals and payments. Porte is transforming the hotel industry with a digital concierge service, and Sampo AI is optimizing e-commerce pricing through AI-driven adjustments. Teammates.ai is introducing virtual AI teammates to automate various job functions, while Twinn Health is leveraging AI-powered MRI scans for early detection of health risks.
KAUST’s entrepreneurship ecosystem continues to play a pivotal role in supporting startups. To date, it has backed 274 ventures, attracting $648 million in investment, generating $428 million in revenue, and creating over 4,500 jobs. These startups are now valued at a combined $1.8 billion, showcasing the program’s impact in driving Saudi Arabia’s innovation landscape forward.
