The TAQADAM program is one of the most prominent business accelerators in the region. It's a fantastic collaboration between King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Saudi National Bank (SAB), all aimed at supporting startups and turning innovative ideas into projects ready for growth and expansion.
A Complete Model for Startup Support
The program kicked off in 2016, offering a comprehensive model to nurture early-stage startups. It runs for six months, focusing on developing ideas, building business models, and speeding up market entry. They use a competitive selection process to find the most promising projects ready for growth.Early Funding for Sustainability
TAQADAM provides initial non-dilutive funding of up to $40,000. Plus, promising companies can get additional funding that might reach up to $140,000! This gives founders more room to experiment and develop without the pressure of giving up early equity.A Support System Beyond Just Funding
But the program isn't just about money. It offers a comprehensive support system that includes direct mentorship from experts, specialized workshops on product development, crafting business plans, marketing strategies, and building operational models. Startups also get access to a wide network of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.Growing Economic Impact
Since its launch, the program has successfully supported hundreds of startups, created thousands of job opportunities, and attracted significant investments exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars. This really highlights its role in boosting the innovation economy both within and outside Saudi Arabia. TAQADAM uses a precise evaluation process to select participants, focusing on the strength of the founding team, scalability, product quality, and the size of the target market. The program sees a huge annual turnout, showing just how attractive it is across the region.Diverse Strategic Sectors
The program covers a wide range of vital sectors, including technology, energy, health, education, FinTech, agriculture, cybersecurity, and logistics. This shows its commitment to supporting innovation in the areas that will have the biggest impact on the future economy.A Platform for a New Generation of Companies
TAQADAM is more than just a business accelerator; it has become a complete platform for creating startups capable of competing regionally and globally. This comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is rapidly working to strengthen its entrepreneurship environment as part of its economic transformation goals and Vision 2030. At its heart, the program reflects the shift in regional entrepreneurship from traditional support to a more mature ecosystem built on smart funding, specialized mentorship, and connecting innovation to the global market.How to Apply
To apply and register your interest, please click on this link. Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for registration is June 21, 2026.Related editorial
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