Latest news with #StartSmart
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest
RIYADH: Nine teams have advanced to the finals of the SR2.25 million ($600,000) Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup competition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. The teams that advanced are Plansulin, Queed, iRama, Quantasphere Ltd., Advanced Future Technology, Novo Genomics, Larimar, Visi Ground, and iBoat. The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology hosted the semifinal stage at its Academy 32 facility, the SPA reported. The event was set up to support 30 teams in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to transform research projects into market-ready startups. Jameel, organized by StartSmart Entrepreneurship Center, and implemented through partnerships with KACST, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority. It targets deep tech innovations in the health, energy, environment and climate sectors, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to empower research-based startups. The semifinal event featured sector-specific training sessions, interactive product development challenges within fixed timeframes, cross-disciplinary workshops and business model refinement exercises. Participants received specialized mentorship to overcome technical and commercial hurdles. Radwan Noor, KACST's general manager of Venture Attraction, said in a statement that they are enabling researchers to convert scientific outputs into viable tech companies with tangible market impact. KACST supports this through scientific expertise, mentorship, judging, and access to laboratories and research infrastructure. He said several participating startups graduated from KACST's Ventures Program, demonstrating successful pathways from national labs to market solutions. Mohammed Abdulghaffar, senior general manager at Community Jameel, added that this collaboration empowers scientists and innovators to commercialize research.
Arab News
01-08-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Jeddah's first ‘AI lab' to boost innovation
JEDDAH: Jeddah launched its first 'artificial intelligence laboratory' on Friday, a groundbreaking program designed to accelerate the growth of local entrepreneurs and emerging businesses. The Start Smart Entrepreneurship Center is spearheading the initiative with backing from the Community Jameel Saudi Foundation. The comprehensive program creates an immersive environment where startup founders, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can harness AI technologies to transform their ventures, SPA reported. The lab establishes a dynamic networking hub connecting participants with innovation hubs, business accelerators, service providers and successful graduates from previous Start Smart cohorts. The laboratory operates through three pathways. Professional practitioners lead 'enrichment encounters,' sharing insights on implementing AI solutions across various industries. The 'technology toolkit' component provides intensive workshops where industry experts guide participants through practical AI applications tailored for startup development. A 'mentor connect' service offers one-on-one consultations with experienced business leaders, enabling participants to tap into proven strategies and learn from both successes and setbacks in the entrepreneurial journey, SPA reported.
Asharq Al-Awsat
01-08-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
AI Lab Opens in Jeddah to Empower Entrepreneurs
The inaugural AI Lab, a collaboration between the StartSmart Entrepreneurship Center and Community Jameel, has launched in Jeddah, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and startups to enhance their businesses by exploring smart solutions in an innovative environment. The program offers a range of activities, including sessions with professionals on implementing AI through real-world applications and expert-led mentorship, SPA reported. Participants engage in practical exercises to develop their startups using AI. The lab also provides opportunities for visitors to receive specialized advice and learn from the experiences of seasoned entrepreneurs. This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to support entrepreneurship, increase the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national economy, and promote digital transformation.
