KAUST’s Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (TIE) program and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) are joining forces to build the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs — advancing national innovation and economic diversification in line with the Kingdom’s guiding priorities. 

The inaugural “Startup Founder Leadership Program,” a strategic collaboration between the university and a flagship government initiative, highlights the value of short-format, high-impact training to support Saudi Arabia’s transition to a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy. 

Expanding beyond its core 16-month master’s degree, TIE has partnered with NIDLP to deliver five-day intensive training for Saudi entrepreneurs through the 1K Mile Program — a NIDLP initiative supporting early-stage ventures over several months in sectors such as mining, logistics, and energy. 

Meshael Alassaf, Executive Director of Entrepreneurship and Human Capital at NIDLP, said the agreement embodies a qualitative bridge of cooperation, creating a “living model of integration” between entrepreneurship and innovation. “It aims to generate real impact that serves both society and the nation through promising opportunities for collaboration that reflect the evolving local ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.” 

After receiving positive stakeholder feedback from its initial cohort, the TIE team anticipates further collaboration on future editions of the training program, with NIDLP as a strong partner. TIE Director Aamir Farooq said KAUST’s TIE initiative is dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship across the Kingdom. 

“Through initiatives like the 1K Mile Program, we empower entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and mindset needed to scale their ventures and drive meaningful impact.” 

Startup education 

Co-developed with globally top-ranked business school SDA Bocconi, 28 participants were selected from an initial cohort of 147 entrepreneurs for the KAUST training event. Held May 4-8, the “Startup Founder Leadership Program” focused on developing skills in marketing, communication, finance, and entrepreneurship management. Participants were assessed both before and after the program, with each receiving a professional certificate upon completion. 

Participants demonstrated strong motivation, actively engaging with KAUST’s entrepreneurship ecosystem during the five-day event. They attended hands-on workshops, exchanged ideas with faculty and startups, and explored real-world applications of their business concepts in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment. They received an overview of KAUST’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, including TAQADAM, ScaleX, and the NextEra program. 

Farooq added: “Our goal is to expand this programming to reach more organizations and stakeholders across the Kingdom, fostering a broader culture of innovation and entrepreneurial success.” 

Collaboration opportunities 

One notable outcome from KAUST’s collaborative short-format training event was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between participant Nawaf Alobthani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ANAN Sky, and Dr. Michael Salvador, Co-Founder and CEO of KAUST startup Mirai Solar — a solar technology company. ANAN Sky focuses on shaping urban infrastructure through innovative, sustainable, and technology-driven solutions. 

Salvador and Alobthani said their partnership marks a strategic move toward advancing smart, sustainable cities through innovation and cutting-edge technologies. They noted that their collaboration aims to improve quality of life while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. It reflects their shared commitment to urban development and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in smart city innovation.