Saudi Arabia KAUST Innovation Fund
deliver venture funding for deep-tech startups linked to KAUST
- Program Type
- Investment
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- Source
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
- Reviewed by
JJ Ben-Joseph- Last Updated
- Oct 28, 2025
Saudi Arabia KAUST Innovation Fund
Overview
Saudi Arabia KAUST Innovation Fund is a investment designed to deliver venture funding for deep-tech startups linked to KAUST. Operating in Saudi Arabia, the program typically provides support valued at USD 200,000 to USD 5,000,000 with an application deadline of Rolling. Managed by KAUST Innovation & Economic Development, it concentrates on deep-tech commercialization and global scaling. Successful applicants often include founders leveraging scientific breakthroughs for industry, who leverage the resources to accelerate impact and growth. The opportunity stands out for its access to KAUST labs, pilot facilities, and corporate partners, making it a compelling pathway for ambitious teams looking to differentiate themselves.
Opportunity Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program ID | saudi-kaust-innovation-fund |
| Funding Type | Investment |
| Funding Amount | USD 200,000 to USD 5,000,000 |
| Application Deadline | Rolling |
| Primary Locations | Saudi Arabia |
| Tags | investment, deep-tech, startup |
| Official Source | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology |
| Application URL | https://innovation.kaust.edu.sa/kaust-innovation-fund-partnership-rpdc/ |
Eligibility Checklist
- Requirement: Startup must have a technological link to KAUST research or alumni. Recommendation: Describe evidence that demonstrates compliance and readiness.
- Requirement: Company should demonstrate scalable deep-tech innovation. Recommendation: Describe evidence that demonstrates compliance and readiness.
- Requirement: Founders must engage with KAUST mentorship and commercialization programs. Recommendation: Describe evidence that demonstrates compliance and readiness.
Application Strategy Roadmap
| Phase | Core Actions | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery | Analyze sponsor priorities, gather documents, and align stakeholders. | Map how your solution supports deep-tech commercialization and global scaling to show strategic fit. |
| Drafting | Build narratives, budgets, and evidence for reviewers. | Highlight how access to KAUST labs, pilot facilities, and corporate partners will accelerate measurable results. |
| Review | Conduct internal QA and mock evaluations. | Invite partners from Saudi Arabia to validate your messaging. |
| Submission | Upload final materials and confirm receipt. | Prepare contingency plans for portal issues near Rolling. |
| Follow-Up | Track feedback and plan post-award milestones. | Showcase early wins to deepen relationships with KAUST Innovation & Economic Development. |
Program Insights
Applicants who excel in Saudi Arabia KAUST Innovation Fund provide a compelling narrative that links innovation to national or regional priorities. Explain how your project addresses unmet needs, and quantify potential benefits for customers, partners, or communities. Review panels want to see credible execution teams, so outline governance structures, technical expertise, and collaborative partners from Saudi Arabia or abroad.
Beyond technical merit, evaluators prize sustainability and scalability. Detail the KPIs you will monitor, from adoption rates to environmental gains, and clarify how the requested USD 200,000 to USD 5,000,000 bridges the gap between concept and full deployment. If you can demonstrate pathways for replication or export, emphasize them using data from market research and pilot engagements. Close your application with a forward-looking plan that demonstrates how support from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology will catalyze long-term growth.