Saudi Unicorns

A national program that supports and enables high-growth technology companies to reach the unicorn stage by providing an integrated set of services and offerings..

Course Partners

Program Format

Hybrid

Program Type

Instructor Paced

Language

English

Page Sections

Program Overview

Program Objectives

Program Products

Enrollment Status

Application Close

Applications open

05 Jan 2023

Application Close

14 Jan 2023

Program Format

Hybrid

Program Type

Instructor Paced

Program Start/End Date

01 Jan - 31 Dec 2023

Language

English

Program Overview

A national program, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Salman Foundation "Misk," and the National Information Technology Development Program, aims to empower and support high-growth technology startups in their journey to become billion-dollar companies (Unicorns).

This program offers a comprehensive range of services and resources, including skill-building for founders, facilitating connections with investment funds, supporting market expansion, and providing access to a global network of industry experts.

Program Tracks

Growth Track

This track is meant for potential high-growth tech startups that are in their early stage of development

Scaling Track

This track is meant for established high-growth tech companies that have shown readiness to expand to new markets

Program Objectives

Increase the number of unicorn companies
Create direct and indirect job opportunities
Increase the market value of benefiting companies, hence impacting the country's GDP
Empower and support high-growth technology companies
Support companies in their expansion into new markets

Program Products

Market Expansion

International expansion support and advisory

Developing and Attracting Talent

Support in talent sourcing, development & retention

Facilitating Government Access

Access to key governmental entities

Supporting Global Emergence

Showcasing scaleups globally and connecting them with peers

Access to Physical Ecosystem

Leveraging Innovation Hubs to provide physical presence in Riyadh

Mentorship and Coaching

Connection with a global network of mentors and Unicorn coaches

Matchmaking with Late-stage Investors

Matchmaking and introductions to suitable late stage investors

Relationship with Private Sector

Corporate engagement program and potential partnerships

Skills You Will Gain

Market Expansion

Global Exposure

Corporate Partnerships

Mentorship

Talent Builder

Program Prerequisites

1. Geographic Location:

Must be based in Saudi Arabia.

2. Youth-Focused Impact:

Over 50% of the organization's beneficiaries should be youth.

3. Legal Status:

Registered NPO (e.g. Association, nonprofit company or endowment) or Social Business (e.g. has commercial registration along with social business accreditation).

Program Prerequisites

Program Prerequisites:

Saudi Nationals or individuals whose spouse or mother is Saudi.
English Proficiency
Knowledge of the fundamentals of UX Design
A strong internet connection
Above 18 years of age

Application Process

Select this program and click the apply button.

We will review your application criteria and your video then decide if this program is right for you.

Attend a virtual interview

Attend one-on-one interview virtually

Successful applicants will receive an email confirming their program enrollment. We will also share more program-specific information and details about your participation.

Skills You Will Gain

Market Expansion

Global Exposure

Corporate Partnerships

Mentorship

Talent Builder

Frequently Asked Questions

The program is running for the first cohort until the end of 2023.

The program will be offered in English.

An application is opened once a year and all participants must apply during the application period. Please refer to the website for application deadline updates.

Attendance is based on the tailored services for participants.

Yes, the program is open for all fast-growing startups or scaleups that operates in Saudi Arabia with at least one Saudi founder.

The program targets fast-growing technology companies that are based in KSA with valid CR and have a proven successful business model.

Business is up and running effectively and generating revenue.

Accepted applications for 2023 will be announced by February.

The program does not provide any direct fundings or grants, however, it might facilitate direct and indirect access to fundings from international investors.

No, there are no fees required for participating in the program.

Cumulative value of all investment rounds.

We consider different types of technology-based companies that have the ability to grow and expand rapidly including but not limited to, E-commerce, Biotech, IoT, Blockchain or marketplace. In regard to sectors, the program is sector agnostic.

Yes, and participants need to disclose such information by email.

Yes, participants can apply every year when the application is opened.

All participants must fully comply with all program requirements during the cohort.