King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is a scientific government institution that supports and enhances scientific applied research. It coordinates the activities of government institutions and scientific research centers in accordance with the requirements of the development of the Kingdom More
In an effort to achieve Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, KACST was keen on preparing its initiatives within the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020, to align the National Policy for Science and Technology with the objectives of Vision 2030
KACST supports the Kingdom’s efforts to develop entrepreneurship in the field of technology, and provides multiple forms of support to encourage the spirit of technology innovation amongst Saudi’s youth in order to strengthen the national economy.
KACST has drawn up a strategic plan and laid out a long-term vision to develop science, technology and innovation in the Kingdom, in order to provide a blue-print for the transformation of the country’s economy from one dependent on natural resources to one that is knowledge-based. As part of the National Transformation Program, KACST has a number of goals tied to those of Vision 2030. One of its key goals is to upgrade the infrastructure and tools needed to develop the local content, by creating an attractive environment for local and international investors alike, enhancing their confidence in the Saudi economy and increasing the competitiveness of the energy sector. A second goal is to establish value-added emerging technology companies to contribute to increasing the local content by supporting small and medium enterprises, encouraging entrepreneurship and developing the field of Information Technology. The third goal is to strengthen the capabilities of startup companies for them to also contribute to the local content. As part of the National Transformation Program 2020, KACST plans to increase the number of technical startups emerging from incubators with 600 additional companies that will contribute to the provision of 3600 jobs. It also plans to increase the number of emerging technology companies from universities - through the Innovative Companies Program - to 800 companies that will contribute to the provision of 4000 jobs for Saudi youth. KACST is making a major effort to promote the technology incubators industry, in support of emerging technology startups, through its BADIR incubators and accelerators program. BADIR is a national program that attracts innovators, promotes the concept of entrepreneurship and provides support and care for innovators and entrepreneurs. This is to help them transform their ideas into promising technical projects.
BADIR program was established in 2007 under the umbrella of KACST. It is a comprehensive national program that seeks to create and develop
The Inventors Services Office was created to provide support and consultations in the field of inventions and patenting to Saudi individuals
BADIR’s first accelerator was launched in 2016 with 7 companies in its first cohort
BADIR established the Saudi Business Incubators Network (SBIN) in 2009 as a guiding body to help and encourage best practices in the Business Incubator Programs