The map·Saudi Arabia·Accelerators & incubators

KAUST ScaleX

KAUST's soft-landing programme for global deep-tech companies.

What
Lab access and R&D support to scale into Saudi Arabia; no funding provided.
Who
Series B+ companies, 2+ years old, without an existing Saudi office.
Cost
No equity — in-kind support only
Status
Closed

Checked · September 2026 · scalex.kaust.edu.sa · How we check ↗

Website ↗On the map →

In detail

KAUST ScaleX is a university accelerator in Saudi Arabia. KAUST's soft-landing programme for global deep-tech companies. Lab access, R&D support, Saudi market pathway.

Amount
Lab access + R&D support
Terms
No funding and no equity — in-kind scale-up support only
Eligibility
  • Series B or later
  • established 2+ years
  • commercial-ready
  • must NOT already have a Saudi office
  • sectors: AI/ML, AgriTech, Biotech, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, Robotics
Sectors
AI/ML, AgriTech, Biotech/HealthTech, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, Robotics/Industrial Technologies/Automation
Status
Closed — cohort closed for this year; no 2026 cohort announced

Closing soon on the map

Cultural Development Fund (CDF)

Grant · Saudi Arabia
Up to SAR 500,000 non-repayable per project, capped at 20 projects total.
No equity — grant
29 Sep 2026closes

Finspire

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SAR 100,000 development funding, earmarked rather than paid as cash.
Equity via SAFE, capped at 5%
4 Oct 2026closes

QSTP Incubation

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In-kind support: Doha workspace and housing for a four-week Sprint, talent and investor access.
Equity — 1.5% deferred SAFE-style stake
1 Nov 2026closes

All published deadlines →

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Antler MENAP

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—

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Finspire

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All accelerators & incubators in Saudi Arabia →  ·  Across the Gulf →

More programmes that take no equity →

Sources

Primary source · scalex.kaust.edu.sa · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/showcase/kaust-innovation · Checked September 2026