Saudi Space Accelerator Program
About The Program
The Saudi Space Accelerator Program was established to support local entrepreneurs and startups in the space sector, and ultimately boost the Saudi entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program consists of a series of cohorts each catered towards startups at different stages of development.
The first cohort will take place in January 2023 and we are delighted to be partnering with Techstars to deliver the “Founder Catalyst Program” for early stage startups.
Apply To The Program Now
Program Goals
Support both local and global startups looking to create innovative solutions.
Nurture founders into getting their space-related business models ready for market.
Boost the national space sector in accordance with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision.
For founders to become investment and/or accelerator ready.
Key Dates
16 October 2022
12 December 2022
January – March 2023
April 2023
About This Cohort
The Saudi Space Commission is launching the “Founder Catalyst program” in partnership with Techstars for its first cohort. A 10-week non-equity backed program that provides early-stage companies or innovative idea-stage founders in the space sector with the training, tools, mentorship, and network to prepare them for the next level. The program cultivates a community of innovative and ambitious individuals who are all highly motivated to support each other’s success. This experience will provide founders the ability to hone their entrepreneurial skills, connect with fellow founders for possible collaborations, and better understand their target customers and dig deeply into the innovative solutions that they are creating.
Participants will receive access to the Techstars worldwide network of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and partners. They will also receive support from SSCs vast technology and space expertise across a variety of business units
Grants
| Startups will receive a SAR60,000 (approx. $16,000) non-equity grant for startup development costs. |  |
Criteria
- Early-stage startups.
- Been operating for less than 2 years.
- Has some demonstrated traction.
- Raised less than $1M.
- Has an idea or startup that contributes or is related to the space sector.
This Program Might Be Right For You If You:
 Have an innovative solution that contributes to the development of the space sector. |
 Are looking to gain knowledge in business modeling and planning. |
 Are looking for more market opportunities. |
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Are 18 years or older. |
Targeted Sectors
Partners
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APPLY TO THE PROGRAM NOW
A person who establishes a company or organization.
The application deadline is December 12th, 2022.
Upon registration, you will receive an email acknowledging the application. Follow up emails will be sent regarding next steps or if any information is missing or if additional information is needed.
You will be notified by email on December 19th, 2022. Be on the lookout for our acceptance email so you can confirm your participation in time. Late confirmations will not be considered.
After submitting the application, you must send any changes to ssc-foundercatalyst@techstars.com to make any changes.
Founders from space-related sectors, such as: Drones/UAS, Communications, Earth Observation, Edge Computing & Big Data Processing, Propulsion, Navigation, Perception, Sensors, Power systems (energy generation, energy storage, energy management), Applied AI and ML, Geospatial Analytics, Autonomous Systems, Robotics, Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Structures, Systems on Chip Computing and Avionics, and other space-related sectors that can be connected to the space industry – are welcome to apply.
Yes. The team has full ownership rights to its ideas and all intellectual properties.
Up to 20 will be selected.
There is no cost or exchange equity involved to participate in the program. Some founders will be selected for an equity-free grant up to SAR 60.000 (approx.. USD 16.000)
There is no template. Your pitch deck will be submitted as a .pdf file and you may also include a link to a website or video of your proposal or demo.
No. The “Founder Catalyst program” in partnership with Techstars for its first cohort. is a ten-week program that provides early-stage entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, mentorship, and network to prepare the startups for the next level. The program enables founders to hone their entrepreneurial skills, better understand their target customers and dig deeply into refining the solutions they are offering the world. On completion of the program the startups will benefit from an introduction to the Techstars Accelerator Team and are encouraged to apply.
No – this program is open to anyone from around the globe to apply.
On average 10 hours per week for 10 weeks
By providing introductions to world-class resources and education, Techstars helps participants dramatically increase their chances of success. The tools, insights and strategies Techstars offers through its impactful masterclasses, mentoring and community are hugely beneficial to participating startups