Since 2016, a global entrepreneurship hub and a future-focused bank have come together in support of game-changing progress. The secret to success? Find a good partner — one that believes in your vision and wants to make it happen as much you do.

That’s been our experience since 2016, when KAUST joined forces with SABB to launch TAQADAM Startup Accelerator. Since day one, we’ve been working to accelerate the Kingdom’s startup landscape, tapping into our collective networks to mentor and support hundreds of next-generation entrepreneurs, and awarding more than 16,000,000 SAR in funding.

This year’s TAQADAM showcase, which will be held on March 10, 2021, continues the tradition, giving 76 founders from 37 startups the opportunity to pitch to a panel of global judges for a chance to secure a piece of more than 4,000,000 SAR in zero-equity follow on funding. This investment will give these innovators — 10 judges’ picks and a People’s Choice winner — funds to drive their businesses forward.

That’s another unique piece of the KAUST and SABB partnership. Typically, startups receive funding from investors in exchange for an equity stake in their business — but because we’re committed to startup success, we retain zero ownership and provide 100% support from start to finish. We want our TAQADAM grads to thrive with no strings attached.

Looking ahead, we’re eager to build on our partnership as we introduce these 37 startups to the world. Since day one, the KAUST Entrepreneurship Center and Innovation Fund have supported over 250 seed and early-stage startups. Another 11,000 innovators have trained through our accelerators and training programs, including UnitX, Faheem, Edama Organic Solutions, Firnas Aero, and more.

This year, the tradition continues. Now together for our fourth year, TAQADAM is a key component of SABB’s social initiatives and KAUST’s ongoing commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. As a future-focused, community-first bank, SABB supports young people’s aspirations while contributing to developing a generation capable of leading the country in the fields of trade, industry, knowledge, and technology.

Join us on March 10 to see first-hand the game-changing innovation of the TAQADAM showcase. Register at: http://taqadam.kaust.link/showcase-21