TAQADAM Startup Accelerator (KAUST and SAB)

TAQADAM Startup Accelerator (KAUST and SAB) is a startup accelerator in Saudi Arabia. Six-month accelerator founded in 2016 by KAUST with the bank SAB. It gives startups mentoring and non-dilutive funding, with follow-on funding for the top graduates, and is open to Saudi and international startups that plan to expand to Saudi Arabia.

What it offers

• “Teams receive $40,000 in funding, with 10 startups securing additional follow-on funding of $100,000 at the annual showcase.” — taqadam.kaust.edu.sa
• “Accepted startups receive up to $140,000 in funding.” — taqadam.kaust.edu.sa
• “Teams receive up to $140,000 in non-dilutive funding and access to co-working spaces across Saudi Arabia.” — kaust.edu.sa

Who can apply

• “To be eligible to join TAQADAM, at least two team member must be able to attend all required accelerator activities.” — taqadam.kaust.edu.sa
• “For international startups they need to have a clear, realistic and obtainable plan to expand to Saudi within a span of on year from the program starting date.” — taqadam.kaust.edu.sa
• “We welcome Saudi and international startups with plans to expand to Saudi Arabia.” — kaust.edu.sa

Stages

Pre-seed, Seed

How to apply

Apply or read the rules on the official site.

About this listing

TrustList compiled this listing from TAQADAM Startup Accelerator (KAUST and SAB)'s official pages in September 2026. The quotes above are its own words. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility rules change, so check the official site before you rely on them.