BE STARTUP
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TAQADAM is a startup accelerator for founders aiming to rapidly grow their business over a period of six months.
Through non-dilutive funding, mentorship and using the TAQADAM brand name and network, founders are empowered to accelerate their growth, engage and activate new customers, and onboard investors.
At the completion of the program, selected graduates are eligible for non-dilutive, follow-on funding.
TAQADAM is a Saudi-based accelerator founded in 2016 by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in partnership with SAB - الأول.

TAQADAM is a highly competitive startup accelerator. From more than 800 applications every year, startups are evaluated by a committee that reviews the team, startup scalability, market potential, and other criteria. From there, up to 60 high-potential startups are selected to complete a pre-accelerator bootcamp.

At the close of the bootcamp startups are, again, reviewed, and the strongest teams are chosen to continue in the program — and receive $40,000 in funding.

The startups then spend the next several months participating in a hybrid program. The mentor-led methodology encompasses mentorships and targeted support, all designed to help founders scale their ventures. The most promising startups are eligible for additional pre-seed funding from TAQADAM

To be eligible to join TAQADAM, at least two team member must be able to attend all required accelerator activities.
The accelerator requires a six months’ time commitment, which could involve startup team members to engage in the day, evening and weekend events and bootcamps.
Founders may be required to travel to KAUST to participate in these events regularly.
For international startups they need to have a clear, realistic and obtainable plan to expand to Saudi within a span of on year from the program starting date.

TAQADAM accelerator is open to all entrepreneurs and startups from different industries. Our previous cohorts graduated startups from the following industries: Energy, Food, Water, Fintech, Retail, Digital, Cybersecurity, Tourism, Logistics, Mobility, Health, Gaming, Agriculture – and more.

Yes, we welcome all applicants that can commit to the program and attend all activities and events.

Yes, however, we have a condition for international startups to have a realistic, clear and obtainable plan to expand to Saudi Arabia within the span of one year from the program starting date.

We are open to people of all nationalities applying to TAQADAM.

Yes! We accept both early and late-stage startups.

The program operates on a hybrid model: most of the workshops, meetings and functions are virtual, but we also host many in-person activities. Applicants from out of Saudi will receive support with visas and flights for the program functions that require attendance in person.

TAQADAM kicks off with a one month bootcamp, running for 1-2 hours each day. And an in-person week.
After that, there are monthly sessions, averaging eight hours per month. We will share the details of these sessions after the program commences.
Attendance for the above is mandatory for all teams.
Additional mentorship with the experts and consultants is held for 30 minutes once a week. Scheduling these sessions are flexible and depend on the mentor and entrepreneur’s availability.

Additional mentorship with the experts and consultants is held for 30 minutes once a week. Scheduling these sessions are flexible and depend on the mentor and entrepreneur’s availability.

There are no age limits! As long as it’s legal for you to do business, we welcome you to apply.

- Strong teams that have a complete profile of skills and expertise, and a clear plan to take their startup forward.
- Customer focus founders who are committed to their business and willing to pivot.
- Novel ideas and business models that have the potential to scale.
- TAQADAM supports both Saudi and international startups with plans to expand to Saudi Arabia.

- There must be at least two founders for each startup team.
- Applicants must not be enrolled in any other accelerator when the bootcamp commences or at any other stage during the program. There may be some exceptions to this; however, teams must obtain approval by the TAQADAM staff, which is decided on a case-by-case basis.
- There must be evidence of startup progress. This can include customer interviews, signed interest of potential clients, or anything that demonstrates that the startup is established.
- Startup must have validated technology and a working MVP.
- Teams must commit to the program in full, which runs from August 2023 to March 2024. At least one team member must attend all required accelerator activities, which may include daytime, evening, and weekend events and bootcamps. Founders will also be required to travel to KAUST for in-person events.
- All applicants utilizing intellectual property must have written permission to commercialize the technologies in their startup idea from their university and/or company’s technology transfer office.

Throughout the accelerator program, accepted teams receive the following:
- $40,000 non-dilutive funding
- Support from the TAQADAM team and mentors.
- Experts that are industry leaders in the MENA-area.
- Access to the TAQADAM network of public and private sector, and investors.
- Access to a leading startup community.
- Access to co-working spaces.
- Services subsidies for design, finance, legal, and more.
- Saudi Arabian incorporation support for startups with international founders.