About TAQADAM
OUR MISSION
Backing founders to create startups that matter
TAQADAM Startup Accelerator
At TAQADAM, we believe in the power of people with big ideas, bold thinking and creativity to change the world. We back MENA’s most remarkable founders who are creating the next generation of startups.
TAQADAM is a startup accelerator powered by KAUST and SAB – الأول. Since 2016, we’ve helped founders push the boundaries of what’s possible, giving them the funds, tools, and hands-on resources to define and refine their companies — and bring their game-changing businesses to market.
Over six months, we guide and develop entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding and targeted workshops focusing on product design, market fit, business model planning, team development, and fundraising.
For each TAQADAM cohort, participating startups receive $40,000 in funding, plus access to co-working spaces across Saudi, a diverse international community and a wide pool of experts and mentors.
At the close of each TAQADAM cohort, founders walk away with a dynamic toolkit designed to accelerate their business, while ensuring they have the insights and access needed to engage potential customers and develop an exceptional network of mentors and investors.
Our Partners
Founding Partners
KAUST is a leading Saudi Arabian university with a commitment to fostering and growing an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Kingdom and the Middle East. KAUST is a hub of innovation for local and international startups.
KAUST has graduated more than 300 startups who, collectively, have raised more than $60M in investment funding.
KAUST has significant expertise in designing and implementing startup accelerator programs. Our entrepreneurship training programs in Saudi Arabia have graduated more than 11,000 innovators in the last decade.
KAUST’s successful startup accelerator track record includes Hikma, VentureLab, 9/10ths Accelerator and TAQADAM. Success stories of startups that graduated from KAUST accelerators and have secured funding: UnitX, Faheem, Saee, Ajeer, Taffi, and Logexa.
Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB – الأول) is a Saudi Joint Stock Company with a strong track record and a heritage that stretches back more than 40 years. The partnership between SABB and KAUST aims to fund projects and support innovative ideas in Saudi Arabia. The TAQADAM program supports initiatives in various fields such as financial technology, digital solutions, industrial solutions and food, water sustainability and many more. The program is one of SAB’s key social initiatives as part of its responsibility toward the community, and to complement its pioneering role in supporting young people’s aspirations and contributing to developing a generation capable of leading the country in the fields of trade, industry, knowledge and technology.
The Team
Meet the team behind the TAQADAM initiative
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Applications are now open, click here to apply.
March 1st, 2023 - Applications open
April 30th, 2023 - Applications close
June 25th, 2023 - Results announced
August, 2023 - Bootcamp in KAUST
August 2023 - Feb 2024 - Hybrid program
Feb, 2024 - TAQADAM Showcase
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.