The National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector in Saudi Arabia has approved the establishment of specialized business accelerators for the livestock and biotechnology fields. This move aims to stimulate the growth of startups and enable institutional investment in a priority sector within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Program Overview and Mission
The decision to launch these accelerators was made during a board meeting chaired by the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley. The program’s core mission is to create a supportive ecosystem for innovation in food production and biotechnology, enhance national food security, and create new investment opportunities in the private sector.
Key Focus Areas and Initiatives
The approved plan includes several strategic initiatives that the new accelerators will likely support:
- The “Judood Al-Imtiaz” Center: A project to lead the localization of broiler chicken breeds with full Saudi genetic ownership, aiming to reduce import dependency.
- Veterinary Infrastructure Development: Including the establishment of a national bank for animal vaccines and a unified platform for veterinary vaccine procurement, with support for the private sector to build local manufacturing units.
- Modern Automated Slaughterhouses: A project to attract investors across integrated value chains, focusing on downstream industries like leather, fertilizers, and recycled protein products.
Who Should Get Ready?
This opportunity is designed for:
- Startups and entrepreneurs working in the livestock, fisheries, and biotechnology sectors.
- Innovators with solutions in animal genetics, veterinary medicine, and food processing.
- Investors interested in the growing agri-tech and biotech fields in Saudi Arabia.
How to Get Involved
This announcement marks the official launch of the initiative. The specific call for applications for the accelerator programs, including deadlines and application links, is expected to be announced soon.
- How to Prepare: Interested startups and entrepreneurs should follow the official channels of the National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for the upcoming application announcement.
Looking Ahead
The launch of these specialized accelerators is expected to attract significant venture investment into local innovation in food and medicine production, while also enhancing biosecurity. This initiative is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to build a sustainable and globally competitive food and agriculture sector.
Source: Jawlah
