Saudi Arabia’s KAUST hosts Hajj, Umrah high-tech boot camp

• This year’s theme is the futuristic transformation of cities in the Makkah region to facilitate Hajj and Umrah

JEDDAH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is hosting a boot camp to develop pilgrim services during Hajj and Umrah.
Up to 80 people are taking part in the event, which runs from Feb. 13 to 21.
“The Makkah governorate’s innovation and entrepreneurship initiative is one of KAUST’s outreach partnerships, and a key program in advancing entrepreneurship in the Kingdom aligned with Vision 2030 goals,” said Hattan Ahmed, head of KAUST Entrepreneurship Center.
This year’s theme is the futuristic transformation of cities in the Makkah region to facilitate Hajj and Umrah.
Proposed startup ideas will fall under two tracks — innovation and entrepreneurship — and prototype funding will be given to the 20 best projects.
The six winning projects — three from each track — will receive funding of SR40,000 ($10,665).