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KAUST Innovation Ventures

Partnering with You from Seed to Scale

KAUST Innovation Ventures Fund

Empowering the next generation of deep‑tech pioneers to shape the future of Saudi innovation


KAUST Innovation Ventures backs visionary founders to transform world-class scientific excellence into high-impact technology startups aligned with the strategic and economic priorities of the Kingdom.

We invest in KAUST spinouts, high-growth local ventures, and global deep-tech startups expanding into Saudi Arabia. Through capital, expertise, and access to the KAUST ecosystem, we accelerate companies from proof of concept to commercial scale.

Driving Venture Impact


Our Investment Focus

KAUST Innovation Ventures invests in deep-tech startups across five strategic pillars: Health, Energy, Food, Water, and AI. We back companies from pre-seed to early Series A, with typical ticket sizes ranging from $100K to $700K, often alongside leading co-investors. Our investments are structured through convertible notes and equity, with a long-term, partnership-driven approach to growth. Beyond capital, founders gain access to KAUST’s ecosystem—strategic guidance, technical expertise, and opportunities for regional and global exposure.

How We Work with Founders

KAUST Innovation Ventures works closely with the KAUST ecosystem—including the Entrepreneurship Center, Technology Transfer and Innovation, the NTI Commercialization Hub, and the Research and Technology Park—to support founders at every stage of their journey. Together, we help de-risk technologies, validate product–market fit, and prepare startups for scalable growth through funding, mentorship, and structured governance.

We invest in deep-tech startups operating in or expanding to Saudi Arabia, aligned with Vision 2030. We look for strong founding teams addressing clear market needs, with early traction and scalable, defensible business models.

What Founders Can Expect

Startups we invest in enter a long-term partnership with KAUST Innovation Ventures, where we act as an active investor and strategic partner. Founders gain access to the broader KAUST ecosystem, including accelerator programs, workspace, and support in IP development and patenting where relevant.
We typically invest up to $500K at seed stage and up to $2M at early stage, often alongside regional and global co-investors.
Applications are open year-round. We review each opportunity carefully and provide constructive feedback to help founders refine their pitch and strengthen investment readiness.

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Who can apply to KIV?

KIV welcomes tech and deep-tech startups that meet these key criteria:

  • Operating in, incorporated in, or willing to relocate to Saudi Arabia.
  • Go-to-market-ready solutions with paying customers and early revenue.
  • Strong founding team demonstrating a healthy mix of technical expertise as well as strong commercial mindset and operational capability.
  • Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 priorities, especially KAUST's pillars: water, food, energy, and health, with AI as an enabler.

We invest in startups at pre-seed, seed, and early Series A stages. Applicants should be prepared to submit a pitch deck, business plan, and supporting financials. Applications are accepted year-round.

Interested in funding?

Tell us more about your startup by completing our application form.

Apply here

Explore how KAUST-backed ventures are transforming deep-tech innovation in Saudi Arabia and creating global impact.

Explore our startups

Ready to Engage?

If you’re building a deep‑tech startup in Saudi Arabia, powered by cutting‑edge technology, a standout team, and real signs of market traction, KAUST Innovation Ventures is ready to back your next stage of growth.


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