Please note applications for the current funding round have been closed.
A great idea needs the elements of knowledge, faith, fire, and focus; the Seed Fund provides the resources necessary to make the idea a reality
Three of the biggest challenges any aspiring entrepreneur faces are access to capital, advice from people who have done it before, and the right environment in which to operate. KAUST’s Seed Fund program provides access to all three.
One of the first programs in Saudi Arabia to focus on early-stage technology development, the Seed Fund enables inventors and entrepreneurs to develop commercial prototypes after either having completed their research at KAUST or on their own. The fund supports innovative technologies with particular focus on high-quality job creation and industry diversification. In addition to financial support – up to $200,000 over 24 months - the Seed Fund may offer access to industry experts and mentors through the Entrepreneurship Center, lab and office space, and other forms of entrepreneurial support at a time when it is needed most.
Applications for seed funding must be submitted online, to be screened for both business viability and technological novelty. Patent analysis may be undertaken to ensure that the technology is truly unique, and its intellectual property (IP) can be protected.
Please note that while individuals may submit only once per funding round as the primary applicant, they may apply as secondary team members on multiple applications.
For more detailed information about our submission criteria, please review our Application Guidelines.