StartSmart, formerly MIT Enterprise Forum Saudi Arabia, has opened applications for its 9th annual StartSmart Competition. The challenge empowers Saudi-based entrepreneurs with bold, AI-driven ideas and pre-seed startups through training, mentorship, and equity-free cash prizes.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Competition
- For: Saudi-based, AI-powered ideas, MVPs, and pre-seed startups
- Key Benefits: Equity-free cash prizes, Virtual Bootcamp, Expert Mentorship
- Application Deadline: November 13, 2025
- Location: Saudi Arabia
Competition Overview
The StartSmart Competition is an annual challenge designed to strengthen the local entrepreneurship ecosystem and fuel the growth of innovative, high-impact ventures in Saudi Arabia. The program focuses on empowering entrepreneurs with AI-driven solutions, offering practical tools to validate concepts, refine MVPs, and prepare for successful market entry. The top 40 selected ideas will participate in a comprehensive two-month virtual bootcamp.
Key Benefits
- World-Class Training: The top 40 participants will join a 2-month virtual bootcamp to learn advanced techniques for developing their ideas and validating their business concepts.
- Expert Mentorship: Gain invaluable guidance and support from industry experts throughout the program.
- Equity-Free Prizes: Compete for a share of the SAR 100,000 prize pool without giving up any equity in your venture.
- Post-Program Support: Winners will receive continued support to help them grow after the competition concludes.
Prizes and Awards
The top three winners will receive equity-free cash prizes to fuel their growth:
- First Place: SAR 50,000
- Second Place: SAR 30,000
- Third Place: SAR 20,000
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the competition, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Your innovative solution must be AI-powered, using AI tools within its business model.
- Your idea or startup must be based in Saudi Arabia and you must be able to attend online and in-person events.
- Your solution must address an ongoing challenge within the Saudi market.
- You must be fully committed to the program throughout its entire duration.
Key Dates and Schedule
- Application Deadline: November 13, 2025
- Announcement of Top 40: November 20, 2025
- 2-Month Virtual Bootcamp Starts: December 1, 2025
- Demo Day & Winners Announced: February 4, 2026
- Post-Program Support: February – March, 2026
How to Apply
Applications are now open and must be submitted through the official competition website by the deadline.
Apply now for the StartSmart Competition by November 13, 2025. Apply Here.
About StartSmart
StartSmart Competition is a Saudi annual entrepreneurship challenge, launched in 2016 and proudly supported by the Community Jameel Saudi Foundation. Previously named MIT Enterprise Forum Saudi Arabia, the competition focuses on empowering entrepreneurs with bold AI-driven ideas, promising MVPs, and pre-seed startups from across the Kingdom.
Learn More: StartSmart Competition
