TAQADAM Startup Accelerator

TAQADAM Accelerator — Cohort 10

Supports Saudi Arabia startups in a structured accelerator pathway with mentoring, networking, and market-readiness development.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

TAQADAM is a six-month startup accelerator co-powered by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB, formerly SABB) that has operated annually since 2016. Cohort 10 is the current open cycle, with an application deadline of June 21, 2026. Every accepted startup receives USD 40,000 in non-dilutive, equity-free grant funding upfront — KAUST and SAB take no equity stake in any participating company. Top performers at the annual demo day can access an additional follow-on award of up to USD 100,000, bringing the maximum possible funding to USD 140,000 per startup. TAQADAM is recognized as one of the most-funded accelerators in the MENA region.

Eligibility is broad: teams must have at least two founders (solo founders are ineligible), and both Saudi-based and international startups are welcome. International teams must demonstrate a clear and obtainable plan to expand operations to Saudi Arabia within one year of the program start date. There is no stated sector restriction — the program is technology-focused but spans AI, AgriTech, HealthTech, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, Biotech, and adjacent fields aligned to Saudi Vision 2030. The six-month program structure begins with a one-month bootcamp of one to two hours daily, includes an in-person week at the KAUST Thuwal campus, and culminates in a demo day showcase before investors and mentors.

Applications are submitted online at taqadam.acceleratorapp.co. The USD 40,000 base grant is paid upfront to all accepted startups; the additional up-to-USD 100,000 follow-on is conditional on demo-day performance and is not guaranteed to all cohort members. With approximately annual cohort cycles since 2016 and nine prior cohorts, the program has a well-established track record. International startups willing to commit to Saudi market entry and with teams of two or more founders should apply before the June 21, 2026 deadline.