Saudi Arabia´s innovation landscape saw a significant development as Qualcomm, the global technology giant, partnered with energy behemoth Aramco and Saudi Arabia´s Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) to introduce a new Artificial Intelligence-focused accelerator. This collaborative initiative is designed to foster innovation in the country’s growing startup scene, particularly targeting early-stage companies working at the intersection of technology and Artificial Intelligence.
The accelerator, announced in early May 2025, is expected to provide Saudi startups with comprehensive resources, including mentorship, technical guidance, and access to Qualcomm’s deep industry expertise. By leveraging Aramco’s industry connections and RDIA’s strategic positioning across academia and government, the program aims to deliver a holistic support system that propels startups from ideation to execution. The initiative is poised to strengthen the kingdom´s ambitions of becoming a regional leader in Artificial Intelligence and deep tech, as part of its broader strategic vision to diversify the economy and nurture local talent.
This launch comes against the backdrop of growing investment in the Middle East and North Africa´s technology ecosystem, where Artificial Intelligence is considered a key driver of future growth. Complementary to such ecosystem-building efforts, Saudi Artificial Intelligence healthtech startup Tuba recently secured pre-seed funding, highlighting increasing venture activity and investor confidence in the region’s Artificial Intelligence potential. Collectively, these developments underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a robust, innovation-driven startup environment capable of attracting global attention and accelerating technological advancements.
