The third cohort of deep tech Saudi startups has completed an intensive acceleration journey at the NextEra startup bootcamp held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) on May 27 and 28, 2025. This bootcamp, a collaboration between the University and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), aims to transform industries from healthcare to cybersecurity and beyond, directly supporting the Kingdom's national priorities for research, development, and innovation.  

“With over 250M USD Investment raised since they launched their companies and over 170 jobs created after joining the Program, NextEra is proving that it is delivering a thriving deep tech ecosystem in the Kingdom”, said Ian Campbell, Vice President of the National Transformation Institute at KAUST. “As an entrepreneurship and innovation-focused technology university, KAUST is the perfect incubation hub for such startups.”  

 “We’re driven by a clear mission: to bridge the gap in funding deep tech and empower the companies bold enough to challenge the status quo and build the future,” said Mohammed Almamar, Executive Product Manager at NTDP. “We are backing visionary founders pushing the limits of what's possible in research, development, and innovation. This cohort reflects the ambition, innovation, and talent that will shape Saudi Arabia's innovation landscape for years to come."  

This year's cohort represents a diverse range of sectors, each with the potential to revolutionize their respective field. It aligns with the Kingdom's focus on Health and Wellness, Sustainable Environment and Supply of Essential Needs, Energy and Industrial Leadership, and Economies of the Future:  

• AI platforms and analytics: ‘Byanat’ and ‘Datalexing’ are harnessing AI's power to provide real-time observability, performance analytics, and integrated productivity solutions. This empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions.  

• Education technology: ‘Bites’ is transforming learning with its GenAI study app, delivering bite-sized, interactive lessons to over 1.5 million learners across 120 countries. This supports the development of future talent.  

• Privacy and secure data collaboration: ‘EleeN’ is pioneering secure data collaboration technologies, enabling organizations to share sensitive information while maintaining privacy and compliance.  

• Voice AI and customer service Automation: ‘Hams.AI’ and ‘Sarj.ai’ are revolutionizing customer service with multilingual AI agents that understand and respond to customer needs, automate communications, and enhance processes.  

• Cybersecurity: ‘Nua’ is building Cybersecurity AI digital employees that combine expert decision-making with machine speed.  

• Healthcare & Diagnostics: ‘Haven Scientific’, ‘HistoApp’, and ‘Labayh’ are transforming healthcare with innovative solutions. Haven Scientific localizes genomic-based diagnostic testing kits, HistoApp is transforming pathology with AI-driven digital solutions, and Labayh provides accessible and private psychological treatment services.  

• Sustainability & Climate Tech: ‘Netzero’ and ‘Remedium’ are combating climate change with nature-based solutions and AI-powered platforms for ecosystem restoration and carbon accounting  

• Robotics & Computer Vision: ‘Nighat’ is harnessing AI, computer vision, and robotics to automate complex processes and transform vision data into real-world action, improving industry efficiencies.  

• Blockchain/FinTech: ‘Oumla’ is making blockchain technology accessible, building secure and scalable infrastructure for businesses and government entities.  

• Electronics Manufacturing: ‘Pioneer of Industry’ is developing and manufacturing electronic systems, offering solutions, services, and products that meet customer needs in electronics . The impact of the NextEra program is exemplified by the success of SARsatX, a space startup that designs and develops small satellites for Earth Observation using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).   

SARsatX secured a grant from the first cohort of NextEra. The company is participating in shaping Saudi Arabia’s commercial space sector by developing the Kingdom’s first airborne SAR system, SSX-1, in collaboration with King Saud University, and launching EarthLife, a platform offering actionable satellite analytics. SARsatX is working with leading partners like Aramco and recently closed a $2.6M seed round.  

The NextEra boot camp offers startups invaluable mentoring, guidance, and networking opportunities on the KAUST campus, promoting collaboration and accelerating their journey to market success. By supporting these innovative companies, KAUST and NTDP are driving Saudi Arabia's economic growth and transformation, reinforcing its position as a global hub for deep tech innovation.