A Saudi startup founded by students from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Saud University (KSU) is tackling the clutter of paper receipts. Wasl, co-founded by Abdelrahman Sabbagh, Salem Al-Saqaf, and Ahmad Alohali, has developed a platform enabling customers to receive and store receipts digitally with a single NFC tap. The venture’s early promise was recently validated when it secured second place in The Garage Challenge, a national competition that attracted over 200 participants from across the Kingdom.
Quick Facts
- Startup: Wasl, a digital receipt platform.
- Achievement: Second place at The Garage Challenge.
- Next Step: Direct incubation at The Garage.
From Campus Project to National Contender
The idea behind Wasl stems from a common annoyance: the cumbersome and wasteful nature of paper receipts. The founding team, composed of PhD and MS/PhD candidates, engineered a solution that uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to transfer transaction details directly to a customer’s device. This process eliminates the need for paper while ensuring customer data remains secure.
The startup’s success in The Garage Challenge, a major national competition, distinguishes it as a promising early-stage venture in Saudi Arabia’s tech ecosystem. As part of its win, the Wasl team has earned a coveted spot for direct incubation at The Garage, the country’s flagship innovation hub designed to support and scale technology startups.
Tapping into Saudi’s Vision 2030
Wasl’s model directly aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes digital transformation and sustainable practices. By offering a solution that reduces paper waste, the startup contributes to environmental objectives. For businesses, the platform promises lower operating costs associated with printing receipts and a more streamlined checkout experience for customers.
The incubation at The Garage will provide Wasl with the resources, mentorship, and network needed to refine its product and develop its go-to-market strategy, positioning the student-led venture for real-world impact.
About Wasl
Wasl is a Saudi Arabia-based startup developing a platform for digital receipts using NFC technology. Co-founded by students from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Saud University, the company aims to reduce paper waste, lower operating costs for businesses, and create a smoother checkout experience for consumers.
Source: KAUST
