Umm Al-Qura University, through its Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Intellectual Property Management, has launched the “Nawi 2026” program. The initiative aims to support innovative projects and transform them into viable startups built on intellectual property assets and rights.
Quick Facts
- Program: Nawi 2026 incubator & accelerator.
- Focus: Turning intellectual property into startups.
- Batch Size: 24 projects across four specialized tracks.
A Multi-Track Approach to Innovation
The Nawi 2026 program is an initiative of the university’s Intellectual Property Incubator and Accelerator, which is officially accredited by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at). The program is designed to empower entrepreneurs and develop their innovative concepts into commercial ventures.
The 2026 edition features four distinct tracks to accommodate a range of specializations, accepting a total of 24 projects:
- Pharmathon: 10 projects
- Innovation in Applications Challenge: 6 projects
- Works Program: 4 projects
- Historical Sites Hackathon: 4 projects
From Idea to Market Launch
Participants in the program will advance through a structured, multi-stage development process. The journey begins with a pre-incubation phase, which includes entrepreneurial sessions, project evaluation, and the development of initial prototypes.
Following this, projects enter the incubation stage. This phase focuses on critical foundational work such as registering intellectual property, refining business models, conducting feasibility studies, and building out the final products or services.
The final two stages prepare the startups for market entry. The acceleration phase is geared towards getting projects investment-ready by developing growth and expansion strategies and connecting founders with potential investors and partners. The program concludes with the graduation stage, where projects officially transition into independent startups prepared to operate and grow sustainably in the market.
About Nawi 2026
Nawi 2026 is an incubator and accelerator program by Umm Al-Qura University aimed at converting intellectual property and innovative projects into commercially viable startups. The program provides a comprehensive development path for entrepreneurs, covering everything from initial ideation and IP registration to securing investment and launching into the market.
Source: SRA7H
