TAQADAM, one of the oldest accelerator programs in the Middle East, has awarded a funding pool of US$1 million to 10 startups at its eighth annual showcase on February 8, 2025.  

The showcase, initiated by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and partner Saudi Awwal Bank has to date supported 270 startups that have raised $297 million in funding and generated3,569 active jobs.  

“KAUST has dedicated itself not only to excellence in science, it also has committed extraordinary resources to build-up and support the Saudi entrepreneur ecosystem. 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,” said Dr. Ian Campbell, Vice President of the KAUST National Transformation Institute, which facilitates collaborations across the Kingdom to translate research into solutions for RDIA priorities.  

Speaking about the showcase, Mai Bin Dayel, SAB Head of Communication and ESG, said, “We are thrilled to partner with TAQADAM and support the incredible innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the startup ecosystem. At SAB, we believe in empowering the next generation of visionaries who are driving transformative change across industries. 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 following are the 10 selected companies 

• Airmo – Revolutionizing climate monitoring with satellite intelligence for real-time greenhouse gas tracking 

• Juleb – Transforming the pharmaceutical supply chain with AI-powered ERP solutions for seamless operations and compliance 

• Mare Custos – Developing advanced underwater robots for offshore inspections, empowering marine industries with precise data 

• Markopolo – Offering AI-driven personalized marketing solutions to enhance customer engagement and boost conversions 

• NeonRain – Enabling gamers to create and monetize custom content, transforming gaming experiences and community engagement 

• Nuzul – Simplifying real estate management with a digital platform for property listings, rentals, and payments 

• Porte – Enhancing hotel guest experiences through a digital concierge platform offering real-time services and upselling opportunities 

• Sampo AI – Providing AI-powered price optimization for e-commerce, boosting profitability through real-time adjustments 

• Teammates.ai – Deploying AI-powered virtual teammates to fully automate different job functions across multiple channels 

• Twinn Health – Using AI-powered MRI scans for early detection of potential health risks, promoting proactive health management. 
   

Among those startups from TAQADAM is Rize, which was part of the sixth cohort and in January announced a fundraising round of $35 million. Rize, which was founded by Ibrahim Balilah and Mohamed Al-Frahi, is developing new technologies reduces the barriers of entry into the Saudi rental properties, which generally require a high down payment. It is also accelerating the digital transformation of the industry in the Kingdom.  

TechieMatter is another company that was part of cohort six. Its CEO, Muhammad AbuElgheit, was named one of the Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30, a list that celebrates young dynamic leaders bringing change to the region.  

TAQADAM is one of the many programs run by KAUST to foster entrepreneurship. Along with its mission to provide excellent education and impactful innovation through science, KAUST aims to bolster the Kingdom’s economy by cultivating a vibrant tech startup ecosystem.  

The KAUST entrepreneurship ecosystem has supported 374 startups to date, which through its programs have raised $648 million of investment, generated $428 million in revenue, and created over 4,500 jobs, are now valued at $1.8 billion.  

KAUST’s contributions mirror trends in the Kingdom, which has remained at the top in the MENA region for venture capital funding. Supporting this position has been a consistent annual rise in active investors and investment. Based on the most recently available data from the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia has also seen a consistent rise in average seed investment, which more than doubled from 2023 to 2024. 

The application window for the next cohort of TAQADAM is now open. The world-class six-month program offers opportunities for mentorship, workshops, non-dilutive funding of up to $140,000 per startup, and access to an international network of startups, investors and partners. Founders can apply from today at taqadam.kaust.edu.sa.