King Khalid University has launched its “Business Horizons” program, a new initiative designed to significantly bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Asir region. The launch, led by University President Dr. Faleh bin Raja Allah Al-Solamy, was a key event during the university’s participation in the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025 and aims to empower innovators and support emerging entrepreneurs.
Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Hadithi, the University’s Vice President for Business and Community Partnership, highlighted the Kingdom’s thriving economic growth, noting that the Asir region has seen a rapid increase in startup creation. He emphasized the university’s pivotal role in this movement, building an integrated system that transforms ideas into viable projects and prepares startups for local and regional competition.
A Year of Significant Growth
The university’s Entrepreneurship Center detailed a year of remarkable achievements. Dr. Majed Al-Aziman, the center’s director, revealed that over SAR 5 million in support has been provided to students in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).
This support is part of a broader effort that included 437 programs benefiting over 5,000 individuals. The university’s business incubator has nurtured 393 entrepreneurial projects, propelling them to more mature stages. Crucially, 42 fully student-owned startups have launched into the market this year alone, supported by a comprehensive plan involving incubators, accelerators, and specialized programs.
Fostering Promising Ventures
The “Rowad Al-Qimam” incubator is a core component of the university’s strategy. Dr. Haifa Al-Dalan, the incubator’s supervisor, described it as a launchpad for promising projects. From an initial pool of 110 applications, 35 projects were selected based on stringent criteria focused on excellence and quality.
Dr. Al-Dalan explained that the incubator offers more than traditional training. “We work to reshape the entrepreneur through a journey that starts from the root of the idea, through model building and identity development, to execution, launch, and growth,” she stated. The incubator aims for an ambitious 60% graduation rate for its projects within six months, ensuring they are competitive and capable of creating a sustainable impact.
Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships
The university’s success is amplified by strong collaborations with key national players. Ghada Al-Omari, a representative from the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at), praised the partnership in executing the university’s business accelerator. She noted that King Khalid University has demonstrated exceptional results, empowering 20 startups.
Several of these startups participated in international events, connecting with 16 investors, while others achieved growth rates exceeding 30%. “These successes are not a coincidence but a result of the university’s pioneering programs, which have contributed to building a generation capable of competition and innovation,” Al-Omari commented.
The launch event also saw the signing of new strategic agreements with the Saudi Coffee Company, the Al-Bon Cooperative Association in Rijal Alma, and Riyad Bank to enhance support, strengthen value chains, and provide financing for emerging startups.
About King Khalid University
King Khalid University is a leading public research university located in Abha, in the Asir Province of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1998, it is committed to academic excellence, scientific research, and community service. The university plays a vital role in the region’s development by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, aligning its programs with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a knowledge-based economy.
Source: Sra7h
