RIYADH — Nine pioneering teams have advanced to the final stage of the Jameel Deep Tech Initiative, a high-stakes startup competition with a prize pool of SR2.25 million ($600,000), the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.
The finalists — Plansulin, Queed, iRama, Quantasphere Ltd., Advanced Future Technology, Novo Genomics, Larimar, Visi Ground, and iBoat — are developing transformative innovations in deep tech sectors including health, energy, environment, and climate.
Hosted by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) at its Academy 32 facility, the semifinal round featured rigorous, sector-focused activities designed to help startups move from research labs to real-world impact.
🧪 Transforming Research into Market-Ready Startups
The Jameel Deep Tech Initiative aims to empower 30 science- and engineering-focused teams to convert cutting-edge research into commercially viable ventures. The program was launched by the StartSmart Entrepreneurship Center, in partnership with KACST, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA).
This initiative aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy to develop a globally competitive innovation ecosystem, promoting research-driven entrepreneurship and commercialization.
🛠️ Hands-On Mentorship & Startup Acceleration
During the semifinal event, participants engaged in:
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Sector-specific training sessions
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Timed product development challenges
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Cross-disciplinary technical workshops
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Business model refinement exercises
Each team received tailored mentorship to address both technical and commercial hurdles, preparing them to attract investors and scale their solutions.
🗣️ KACST and Community Jameel Leaders Weigh In
Radwan Noor, General Manager of Venture Attraction at KACST, emphasized the organization's commitment to bridging research and industry.
“We’re enabling researchers to convert scientific outputs into viable technology companies with real market impact,” said Noor.
“Many startups in this cohort are graduates of our Ventures Program, proving the potential of transforming national lab research into tangible solutions.”
Mohammed Abdulghaffar, Senior General Manager at Community Jameel, echoed this sentiment.
“Through this collaboration, we’re empowering scientists and innovators to commercialize their work, advancing Saudi Arabia’s deep tech capabilities on the global stage.”
🚀 What’s Next?
The nine finalist teams will now compete in the grand finale for a share of the SR2.25 million prize fund, alongside access to continued mentorship, investment opportunities, and infrastructure support. Their success not only represents promising startups, but also Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to be a leader in science-backed, innovation-led entrepreneurship.
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