“…We are a catalyst for innovation, economic development and social prosperity in Saudi Arabia and the world…”, Mission of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

In line with its mission, KAUST launched a new initiative designed to support the venture capital landscape in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region. The initiative, named KAUST Arabian Venture Forum, took place this on November 19, 2016 and was organized by the KAUST Innovation Fund in partnership with Cleantech Scandanavia – a renowned promoter of Cleantech entrepreneurial and VC ecosystems.  This year’s theme was Energy, Clean Technologies (Cleantech) and Information Communication Technologies (ICT).

“We are excited to work with you in changing our economy to a knowledge based economy”, Tristan Walker -VP (A) Innovation and Economic Development.

The 2-day event saw over 200 guests come through the KAUST gates with almost one fifth of them being early and growth-stage startup companies. Venture capitalists from around the globe were present to discuss investment opportunities, technology trends, industry outlooks and regulatory challenges through a series of keynote speeches, panels and informal exchanges. This made for a very exciting and buzzing atmosphere with successful connections, which we hope, will lead to fruitful outcomes.

KAUST Arabian Venture Forum provided a unique, cross-border platform to create the essential connections between local and international investors on one side and local and international entrepreneurs on the other side.

To learn more about how you could attend, participate or sponsor next year’s event, please contact us at innovation@kaust.edu.sa.

KAUST Provides Funding Support for New Ventures
The KAUST Innovation Fund aims to grow an innovation and technology investment community and to attract international investors and VCs to the emerging Saudi technology ecosystem. KAUST makes venture capital investments in high-tech startups from seed (less than $200,000) to early-stage (up to $2 million) and becomes a long-term strategic partner of these ventures.  For more information on the fund click here or email kif@kaust.edu.sa.