The ninth edition of the Start Smart competition has officially launched, marking another year of dedicated support for Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This annual initiative, powered by the Community Jameel foundation, aims to empower the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs by helping them transform innovative ideas into viable startups focused on artificial intelligence and other modern technologies.
An Intensive Program For Aspiring Founders
First established in 2016, the Start Smart competition targets founders with pioneering ideas in the technology sector. The program will select the top 40 applicants to participate in an intensive two-month training and mentorship program. This hands-on experience is designed to guide founders through critical early stages, including prototype development and crafting effective go-to-market strategies, with guidance from a network of industry experts. To further fuel their growth, the top three startups will receive cash prizes: SAR 50,000 for first place, SAR 30,000 for second, and SAR 20,000 for third.
Aligning With Vision 2030
Dr. May Taibah, a board member of the Community Jameel Foundation, emphasized the competition’s role in advancing national objectives. She stated that the initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 by working to increase the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises to the national economy and bolstering the Kingdom’s digital transformation. Mohammed Abdulghaffar, Senior General Manager of Social Initiatives and Entrepreneurship, added that the competition serves as an integrated platform for building startups capable of competing on both local and international stages.
About The Start Smart Competition
The Start Smart competition is a leading annual initiative in Saudi Arabia designed to identify, nurture, and accelerate promising tech-based startups. Through training, mentorship, and financial incentives, it provides a crucial launchpad for entrepreneurs to turn their concepts into successful businesses, with a particular focus on AI and advanced technologies.
About Community Jameel
Community Jameel is an independent, global organization dedicated to advancing science and learning for communities to thrive. The foundation supports a wide range of initiatives in entrepreneurship, technology, and social development to create opportunities and address pressing human challenges.
Source: Jawlah
