The Start Smart Investment Forum 2026 was inaugurated in the capital, Riyadh, aiming to connect promising startups with investors and innovation-supporting entities. This event is organized by the Saudi Community Jameel Foundation in strategic partnership with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and is held at the Innovation Incubator and Accelerator "The Garage." The forum witnesses participation from over 1,000 visitors, 100 investors, and 107 startups specializing in deep tech.
Notable figures attended the forum, including Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud Al-Dsouqi, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and Dr. Nabil Koushki, CEO of the Saudi Venture Capital Company. The event also saw the presence of leaders from the Saudi Community Jameel Foundation, under the supervision of Mr. Hussein Jameel, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Ibrahim Badawood, and Board Member Dr. Mai Taybah.
Event Details
The forum focused on deep tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, digital health, and smart cities. This focus aligns with the Kingdom's direction to support the digital economy and enhance the readiness of vital sectors. The forum aims to create quality investment opportunities that enhance the Kingdom's position as an investment destination and support the flow of international investments.
The forum also provided a professional space for exchanging experiences between investment experts and entrepreneurs, showcasing inspiring success stories that transformed ideas into impactful projects. This event is part of the national priorities for research, development, and innovation announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Background & Context
The Start Smart Forum comes at a time when the Kingdom is undergoing a significant transformation towards a knowledge-based economy, as the government seeks to enhance innovation and support startups. These initiatives are part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.
The Kingdom is also striving to attract entrepreneurial projects from both domestic and foreign sources, reflecting its commitment to developing an attractive investment environment. Several agreements were announced during the forum, including the second edition of the Jameel Deep Tech Initiative, which focuses on transforming research outputs into successful startups.
Impact & Consequences
The forum represents a strategic platform for enhancing innovation in the Kingdom, contributing to linking entrepreneurs with investors. This event is expected to create new economic opportunities and empower national competencies, thereby enhancing quality of life and economic competitiveness.
The forum also opens new horizons for startups to expand their operations, contributing to the acceleration of development and prosperity in the Kingdom. Mr. Hussein Jameel emphasized that the forum represents an important step towards building a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation.
Regional Significance
The Start Smart Forum serves as a model in the region, reflecting positive trends towards supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. These initiatives can inspire other Arab countries to adopt similar strategies, contributing to the enhancement of the regional economy.
In conclusion, the Start Smart Investment Forum 2026 is a significant step towards enhancing innovation and supporting startups in the Kingdom, contributing to achieving ambitious economic goals.