KAUST and SAB celebrate milestone ninth cohort of TAQADAM accelerator, driving global innovation into the Kingdom’s ecosystem
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and SAB today concluded the showcase for the ninth cohort of the TAQADAM startup accelerator. The event marked the culmination of six months of development, with 20 ventures preparing to scale within Saudi Arabia’s diversifying economy.
This year’s cohort includes 20 startups across 12 industries from 13 countries. The program continues to attract international founders while supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem. Each startup received $40,000 in non-dilutive funding. The top 10 participants secured an additional $100,000 during the final showcase.
- Bellboy: An artificial intelligence (AI) platform for hospitality that automates guest interactions and workflows across voice and chat in more than 60 languages.
- Scigeniq: An AI-powered, cloud-based software-as-a-service platform supporting manufacturing operations in regulated sectors, including pharmaceuticals and food production.
- Aya: A data-driven platform for the fashion industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), enabling demand testing before production and reducing excess inventory.
- Atomica AI: A platform that enables dentists to design and manage digital treatment workflows.
- MyAlice: AI-powered tools for e-commerce merchants to enhance customer engagement and recover lost sales.
- Relocal: A platform addressing workforce gaps in healthcare through global talent mobility solutions.
- TileGreen: A materials technology company converting nonrecyclable plastic waste into alternative building materials.
- Innotech: A company specializing in large-scale, low-carbon concrete 3D printing for construction and marine applications.
- Qubit: A data platform that enables organizations to connect and manage data across systems.
- VitruvianMD: A software solution supporting clinical decision-making in in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories.
TAQADAM is part of KAUST’s Accelerating Impact initiative, which supports the transition of research into commercial applications. The program connects startups with funding, mentorship, and industry partners.
The program is delivered in partnership with SAB. The collaboration supports entrepreneurship and contributes to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. SAB provides financial support, while KAUST offers technical expertise and access to its research ecosystem.
As the program approaches its 10th year, investor participation continues to grow. The showcase brought together venture capital firms and industry representatives to engage with emerging companies in the region.