KAUST Scale X is a soft landing program from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank. It helps international tech companies at Series B stage and beyond enter the Saudi market over about eight months.
About the program
The program targets international tech companies that have raised a Series B or equivalent, were founded at least two years ago, and have no regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. It runs about eight months and includes a remote bootcamp, in-person guidance at KAUST, workspaces at KAUST and in Riyadh, regulatory support, and connections to investors. The program does not offer direct funding, and it covers travel and accommodation for two representatives per company. In June 2026 it launched a Fast-Track track in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment and France's INSKIP platform.
Soft-landing program; the official site says it does not directly fund startups (introduces them to investors). Earlier cohort: selections notified by March 2025. Fast-Track track announced 2026-06 with SAB, MISA and INSKIP.
What it offers
- Stages
- Series B, Growth
- Sectors
- AI, Cybersecurity, Health, Agtech, Energy, Deep tech
- Format
- Cohorts