Saudi women’s technology businesses incubated by Badir up 144%

The program has incubated 239 technology projects since its establishment until the end of 2017. (SPA)

RIYADH: The number of women’s businesses incubated by the Badir Program for Technology Incubators grew by 144 percent in 2017 to 44.
The businesses are active in the fields of telecommunications, software, e-commerce and smartphone apps.
Badir, an initiative of King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology, expects the coming years to see a rise in Saudi entrepreneurship due to support from government agencies.
The Kingdom is encouraging innovation and technical development in startups, and expects the sector to play a vital role in the economy.
Badir CEO Nawaf Al-Sahhaf said the program is supporting the ambitions and initiatives of Saudi female entrepreneurs, helping them participate in local and regional conferences, and providing them with women-only offices to conduct workshops that prepare them to efficiently manage their businesses.
“Badir has raised Saudi women’s awareness about technology entrepreneurship, and promoted a culture of free enterprise through conducting workshops and training programs, speaking to college students, and participating in university events,” he said.
Al-Sahhaf urged Saudi female entrepreneurs to reach out to Badir, which he said will provide logistic, technical and consultative support as long as the idea is innovative.
“Badir will also provide an office for the business, and the right to access modern and advanced facilities and labs,” he added.
The program has incubated 239 technology projects since its establishment until the end of 2017. Those projects have created some 1,615 full-time and part-time jobs for Saudi youths.