Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) announced it has launched the ‘KAUST ScaleX Fast-Track’ program in partnership with SAB and in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and French innovation platform INSKIP, aiming to attract high-growth international technology companies to Saudi Arabia.

The initiative is part of KAUST’s ScaleX soft-landing platform, which helps global startups establish and expand their presence in the Kingdom by connecting them with strategic partners, industry expertise, investors, and government stakeholders, as per KAUST’s announcement on LinkedIn. Participating companies will gain access to KAUST’s research infrastructure, innovation ecosystem, faculty expertise, talent network, and business development support.

The program focuses on startups operating in sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, healthtech, agritech, renewable energy, robotics, and industrial technologies. Eligible companies must have achieved at least Series B funding or an equivalent growth stage, possess commercially deployable solutions, and be seeking regional expansion into Saudi Arabia.

As per its official website, the eight-month program includes online and in-person boot camps, market-entry guidance, regulatory support, pilot opportunities with local partners, and networking events designed to help international startups establish operations and secure commercial opportunities in the Kingdom.