Saudi Arabia Launches AI Startup Incubator to Boost Tech Economy
May 25, 2025
Saudi Arabia is ramping up its investment in artificial intelligence with the launch of a national incubator programme designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage AI startups.
Led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) through its Centre of Digital Entrepreneurship, the four-month programme will support 20 AI ventures with mentorship, funding, workspace, and access to government-backed digital incentives. Financial support will come via the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), while strategic partnerships with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence, SambaNova, and BIM Ventures will help startups access technical and commercial expertise.
The initiative is a key part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to build a diversified, knowledge-driven economy and reduce long-term dependence on oil revenues. It also follows the recent launch of Humain, a PIF-backed AI company focused on building national capabilities in data infrastructure, machine learning, and cloud computing.
By targeting early-stage companies with tailored support, the new incubator aims to lay the foundation for a competitive AI ecosystem capable of positioning the Kingdom as a regional and global leader in emerging technologies.
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