Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, Monsha’at, has successfully concluded its University Entrepreneurship Bootcamps program, a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering innovation among students, recent graduates, and university staff. The program culminated in the development of over 400 entrepreneurial ideas into preliminary business models across six participating universities.
A Nationwide University Tour
The initiative spanned multiple regions of the Kingdom, demonstrating a commitment to decentralizing entrepreneurial opportunities. The bootcamp series began at the University of Tabuk and traveled through King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa, Al-Baha University, Taibah University in Madinah, and Majmaah University, before concluding its final event at Taif University.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
The core objective of the program was to elevate entrepreneurial awareness within academic communities and promote a culture of freelance work and venture creation. By transforming promising ideas into tangible projects, Monsha’at aims to enhance the contribution of young talent to the national economy. The program structure included a mix of intensive workshops, targeted meetings, and culminates in a final showcase where participants pitch their projects to prominent investors, enablers, and support organizations from their respective regions.
Intensive Support and Mentorship
Participants received comprehensive support throughout the program. The initiative featured six intensive training bootcamps and delivered over 650 dedicated mentorship and guidance sessions to help refine business concepts and track progress. This hands-on approach ensures that participants not only develop an idea but also gain the foundational knowledge required to navigate the early stages of a startup. This program is a continuation of Monsha’at’s broader efforts to open new avenues for university-level entrepreneurship, aligning with the national goals of empowering local talent.
About Monsha’at
The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established in 2016 to organize, support, develop, and sponsor the SME sector. It works to increase the productivity of these enterprises and raise their contribution to the GDP, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: Sra7h
