Qualcomm is set to enhance its role in the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem by launching a new round of its “Designed in Saudi Arabia with AI” program in 2026. The initiative, building on the success of its inaugural cohort, aims to incubate up to ten promising new startups, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a burgeoning tech hub.
The program is a strategic partnership between Qualcomm, Aramco, and the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA), designed to accelerate the growth of Saudi companies specializing in Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced wireless technologies.
A Comprehensive Support System
Wassim Sharbaji, President of Qualcomm for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized that the program’s support extends far beyond financial investment. Participants receive critical technical and commercial mentorship, training on intellectual property protection, and hands-on support for product development, guiding them from concept to market readiness.
Selected projects also gain invaluable access to the expertise of engineers from both Qualcomm and Aramco, as well as the cutting-edge communication and AI platforms available at the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Laboratory.
Focusing on Next-Generation Technology
According to Sharbaji, a primary objective for Qualcomm is to empower startups to develop sophisticated solutions in high-growth sectors. The program places a strong emphasis on on-device AI, edge computing, augmented reality (AR), and smart industries.
The 2025 cohort has already demonstrated the vitality of the Saudi innovation sector, leveraging Qualcomm’s advanced technologies to create impactful solutions in smart communications and IoT.
Building A Local Talent and IP Hub
Qualcomm has announced its intention to deepen its presence within Saudi universities, aiming to cultivate a broader base of local tech talent and enrich the domestic innovation environment.
Sharbaji noted that the upcoming phase will concentrate on enabling participating companies to secure patents for their innovations. A key metric for success and future partnerships will be the quality of the solutions and applications developed, with a focus on fostering new collaborations with the Kingdom’s industrial and technology sectors.
About Designed in Saudi Arabia with AI
The “Designed in Saudi Arabia with AI” program is a collaborative initiative by Qualcomm, Aramco, and the RDIA. Its mission is to identify and nurture promising Saudi startups in the fields of AI, IoT, and wireless technologies. The program provides comprehensive support, including mentorship, technical resources, and market access, to accelerate the growth of the local innovation ecosystem and contribute to the Kingdom’s technology development goals.
Source: Jawlah
