King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) hosted 96 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) finalists from 64 countries between Nov. 8 and Nov. 11 at its entrepreneurship bootcamp as part of its partnership with the Misk Global Forum (MGF).
KAUST hosted the global finalists on its campus near Jeddah to take part in a training program designed to further prepare them for the EWC global finals at the MGF in Riyadh from Nov. 12-14.
The EWC is the world’s largest startup competition, with over 100,000 applicants from 185 countries. Of the 100 global finalists, six are from Saudi Arabia: Sadeem, Faheem, Cura, Dhad, Red Sea Farms and UnitX. All were founded by graduates of KAUST’s entrepreneurship programs, including the TAQADAM and 9/10ths accelerators.
“As an international university, we strive to build bridges with the brightest minds from around the world, and we are very excited to partner with Misk for the Entrepreneurship World Cup and welcome startups to our campus from over 64 countries,” said Tony Chan, president of KAUST.
Saudi Arabia presents an extraordinary opportunity for startups interested in accessing the MENA market and tapping into KAUST’s unique ecosystem focused on finding solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges in food, water, energy and the environment.”
The KAUST-Misk partnership aims to advance Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic transformation goals by attracting cutting-edge, impactful startups and top entrepreneurial talent to the Kingdom.
FASTFACT
The Entrepreneurship World Cup is the world’s largest startup competition, with over 100,000 applicants from 185 countries. It is conducted by the Misk Global Forum in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, alongside local and regional partners.
Shaima Hamidaddin, executive manager of MGF, said: “The EWC global finalists represent the cream of international startup talent. We’re looking forward to seeing the entrepreneurs reach even greater heights thanks to the bootcamp ahead of the finals at the Misk Global Forum. Our partnership with KAUST is part of our commitment to working with top international leaders in innovation, training, and development to achieve our global mission of empowering young people to thrive in the knowledge economy.”
Designed exclusively for the EWC finalists, the KAUST bootcamp was packed with intensive mentor-led pitch sessions, industry meetings, and an overview of local market opportunities. The university is also offering selected finalists priority spin-in access to its newly launched soft-landing program. Startups who join the program will also have access to KAUST’s world-class labs and office space, top advisory and mentorship, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, vibrant community life, and MENA market and industry networks.
The EWC global finals will see winners receiving life-changing prizes, support, and opportunities. The EWC is conducted by the Misk Global Forum in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), alongside local and regional partners.