Saudi healthtech startup SDM has finished second in the London Business School (LBS) MENA Startup Competition 2026, placing among the event’s top three ventures.
The competition, held in Dubai on October 14 and supported by LBS’s Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital, attracted nearly 100 applications from across the Middle East and North Africa. Ten finalists pitched for a share of a $45,000 non-dilutive prize pool.
SDM develops artificial intelligence tools to help healthcare practitioners in Saudi Arabia detect chronic diseases at an early stage. UAE-based environmental technology startup Persium won the competition, while Frank AI, which builds an Agent Operating System for independent real-estate professionals across the GCC, took third place.
The finalists represented sectors including AI, healthtech, climate technology, fintech and proptech. Judges assessed the startups based on business potential, early traction, founding teams, problem-solution fit and their potential to benefit from the LBS network.
All 20 semi-finalists received mentoring from LBS alumni and experienced volunteers before the finale. According to the announcement, the competition was organised by the LBS Entrepreneurship Club’s MENA team with support from strategic partner MARIHUB.
Source: MENAFN
