- What
- Deep-tech venture builder with SAR 2.25M in cash prizes for its top three teams.
- Who
- Saudi deep-tech research teams in health, energy and environment.
startsmartsaudi.com/programs/jameel-deep-tech-i… · How we check ↗
In detail
Jameel Deeptech Initiative (StartSmart Saudi) is a deep-tech venture-building programme with grant prize money in Saudi Arabia. Deep-tech venture-building programme of StartSmart Saudi, an initiative of Community Jameel Saudi, run in partnership with KACST: a 26-week journey that turns STEM research and development projects into market-ready startups in health, energy and environment, with cash prizes for the top three teams totalling SAR 2,250,000. The first edition ended with a final at The Garage in Riyadh; the 1st place prize was SAR 1,000,000.
- Amount
- Cash prizes for the top three winners, totalling SAR 2,250,000
- Eligibility
- Saudi deep-tech research teams and startups with R&D projects in health, energy and environment
- Sectors
- Health
- Energy
- Environment
- Status
- Closed — applications for the 2026 cohort are closed (checked October 2026)
What the source says
“The Jameel DeepTech Initiative 2026 is a venture builder program, offering financial awards of SAR 2,250,000.”
“It is designed to transform research and development projects in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into ventures that offer practical, market-ready solutions.”
“Cash prizes for the top three winners, totaling SAR 2,250,000.”
“The initiative aimed to support and motivate Saudi, DeepTech-based startups to grow and expand.”
“In its final ceremony held at The Garage in Riyadh ... The 1st Place prize (SAR 1,000,000) went to Plansulin”
“Supporting the vital sectors of Health I Energy I Environment”
Closing soon on the map
WISE EdTech Accelerator
Azal Innovation Program (Doha Design District / Msheireb Properties)
Compare grants & prizes in Saudi Arabia
| Cost | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Jameel Deeptech Initiative (StartSmart Saudi)Deep-tech venture builder with SAR 2.25M in cash prizes for its top three teams. | SAR 2.25M | Grant prize money | Closed |
| Cultural Development Fund (CDF)Financial incentives of up to SAR 500,000 per project for AI in culture. | up to SAR 500,000 | No equity | Closed |
| KFUPM × DTV Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship ProgramKFUPM × DTV fellowship: USD 48,000 salary plus USD 32,000 milestone funding for a startup. | USD 48,000 | Milestone-based startup equity funding | Active |
| Misk FoundationChallenge for Change: SAR 1M grant to one winner per track (three tracks); latest round closed 4 April 2026. | SAR 1M | No equity | Closed |
| NTDP — National Technology Development ProgramMVPLab grants up to SAR 150,000; Tamkeen incentives for tech staff. | up to SAR 150,000 | No equity | Open |
| RDIA — Saudi Innovation GrantsInnovation grants of up to SAR 4 million per project (Saudi Innovation Grants Program). | up to SAR 4 million | No equity | Closed |
No programmes match these filters.
Highest amount in each programme’s own “What” line. Other currencies converted for sorting only (Gulf pegs; KWD, EUR, GBP approximate).
Questions founders ask
What does Jameel Deeptech Initiative (StartSmart Saudi) offer?
Deep-tech venture builder with SAR 2.25M in cash prizes for its top three teams.
Does Jameel Deeptech Initiative (StartSmart Saudi) take equity?
Grant prize money.
Is it open now?
No — it is currently closed. The status on this page follows the programme’s own site.
How do I apply?
No application form is published. Its website is the way in.
Sources
Primary source · startsmartsaudi.com/programs/jameel-deep-tech-initiative · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/company/startsmartsaudi