- What
- Lab access, faculty consultation and market-entry support in Saudi Arabia; no direct funding.
- Who
- Series B (or equivalent) tech startups, 2+ years old, with no Saudi HQ or regional office.
Checked · October 2026 · scalex.kaust.edu.sa · How we check ↗
In detail
KAUST ScaleX is a university accelerator in Saudi Arabia. KAUST's soft-landing programme for global tech startups. Lab access, faculty consultation, Saudi market pathway.
- Amount
- Lab access + faculty consultation (no direct funding)
- Terms
- No direct funding — in-kind scale-up support; applying is free
- Eligibility
- Series B funding or equivalent
- established 2+ years
- commercial-ready
- no existing HQ or regional office in Saudi Arabia
- sectors: AI/ML, AgriTech, Biotech/HealthTech, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, Robotics
- Sectors
- AI/ML, AgriTech, Biotech/HealthTech, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, Robotics/Industrial Technologies/Automation
- Status
- Closed — public cohort closed for this year; Fast-Track applications only via referral partners' dedicated links (deadline not published)
What the source says
“Powered by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, KAUST ScaleX is a soft-landing program that provides specialized support for innovative tech visionary startups from around the globe.”
“KAUST state-of-the-art labs, faculty consultation, talent matchmaking, innovation ecosystem, programs to support with incorporation, subsidies and relocation.”
“This program is open to global tech startups who wish to scale their ventures and innovations into Saudi Arabia’s dynamic market. [...] Guidance on Saudi regulations, culture and business environment.”
“While the program does not directly fund startups, it facilitates introductions to investors and funding partners to support growth.”
“Logistical coverage for up to two startup senior representatives.”
“Series B funding or equivalent.”
Closing soon on the map
No published deadline in the next 30 days · All published deadlines →
Compare accelerators & incubators in Saudi Arabia
| Cost | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| KAUST ScaleXLab access, faculty consultation and market-entry support in Saudi Arabia; no direct funding. | not published | Free to apply; no direct funding | Closed |
| 500 Global SaudiPossible $100,000+ equity investment; $35,000 Phase 1 fee; 12-week Riyadh programme. | $100,000+ | Equity | Closed |
| Antler MENAP$180,000 via SAFE for 11% equity, plus up to $320,000 uncapped follow-on. | up to $320,000 | Equity | Open |
| CODE — Center of Digital EntrepreneurshipCoworking spaces, business services, incubation and acceleration programmes. | not published | Not published | Active |
| Falak Flagship ProgramDirect funding of up to SAR 375,000 plus soft landing and technical enablement. | up to SAR 375,000 | Equity | Dormant |
| FinspireUp to SAR 100,000 development funding, earmarked rather than paid as cash. | up to SAR 100,000 | Equity via SAFE, capped at 5% | Closed |
| Flat6Labs RiyadhSAR 500K in cash seed funding plus SAR 2.4M in follow-on funding. | SAR 2.4M | Equity | Closed |
| inspireU by stcGeneral track (3 months, grants) or Advanced track (6 months, invitation-only, funding). | not published | Not published | Active |
| NEOM Level Up (Gaming Accelerator)Funding for gaming studios. | not published | Not published | Closed |
| Newlab Riyadh — Mining Innovation StudioTargeted investment. | not published | Targeted investments | Active |
| Orbit Ventures (formerly Orbit Startups)$80,000–$100,000 invested in every startup over a 4-month batch. | not published | Equity | Closed |
| Princess Nourah University – University Startup AcceleratorUniversity accelerator with financial and in-kind grants; PNU invests in top startups. | not published | Not published | Active |
| TAQADAMUp to $140K: $40K base grant plus up to $100K follow-on for top teams. | up to $140K | No equity | Closed |
| The GarageIncubator, accelerator and Bridge programmes with free workspace; no funding figure published. | not published | Not published | Active |
| VMSSeed funding and grants plus investor access. | not published | Not published | Active |
| EWAx Sedrah — Environment AcceleratorSupport programme for environment-sector startups. | not published | Not published | Closed |
| GEA Entertainment Accelerator3-month accelerator with workshops, mentors, co-working and investor access; no direct funding. | not published | Free to participate; no direct funding | Closed |
| impactU by stcImpact incubation programme. | not published | No equity | Dormant |
| KSU Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program (Riyadh Valley Company)KSU founder programme: top 3 projects compete for SAR 500,000 initial funding. | SAR 500,000 | Not published | Active |
| SDAIA GAIA ProgramA 10-week generative-AI accelerator with SAR 150,000 in grants from NTDP. | SAR 150,000 | Not published | Dormant |
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).
All accelerators & incubators in Saudi Arabia → · Across the Gulf →
Questions founders ask
What does KAUST ScaleX offer?
Lab access, faculty consultation and market-entry support in Saudi Arabia; no direct funding.
Does KAUST ScaleX take equity?
Free to apply; no direct funding.
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 · scalex.kaust.edu.sa · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/showcase/kaust-innovation · Checked October 2026