Riyadh: 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 KAUST 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.
According to Saudi Press Agency, with over $250 million 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. Ian Campbell, Vice President of the National Transformation Institute at KAUST, highlighted KAUST as the perfect incubation hub for such startups due to its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Mohammed Almamar, Executive Product Manager at NTDP, emphasized the mission to bridge the gap in funding deep tech and empower companies that challenge the status quo. He added that they are backing visionary founders who push the limits of research, development, and innovation. The current cohort showcases ambition and talent that will shape Saudi Arabia's innovation landscape in the coming years.
This year's cohort represents a range of sectors with the potential to revolutionize their respective fields. 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.
The NextEra bootcamp provides startups with mentoring, guidance, and networking opportunities on the KAUST campus, promoting collaboration and accelerating their market success. By supporting these companies, KAUST and NTDP are driving Saudi Arabia's economic growth and transformation, reinforcing its position as a global hub for deep-tech innovation.