TAQADAM Accelerator 2027

TAQADAM is a startup accelerator in Saudi Arabia, founded in 2016 by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) with SAB, that gives selected startups US$40,000 (about ₹38 lakh) in non-dilutive funding, with 10 startups later winning US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh) more at an annual showcase. It accepts applications from all nationalities once a year; the official page says the window usually opens in April and closes by May or June. It is not open at the moment.

What the program offers

Teams that are accepted receive US$40,000 (about ₹38 lakh) in non-dilutive funding, which means you give up no ownership. Ten startups also secure follow-on funding of US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh) at the annual showcase, so the largest total for a team is US$140,000 (about ₹1.33 crore). Beyond cash, teams get mentorship and advisory support from the TAQADAM team and industry experts in the MENA region, entry to a network of public and private sector leaders and investors, co-working space, and help with Saudi incorporation for international founders. The programme lasts six months in a hybrid format.

Who can apply

Early-stage startups from pre-seed to Series A with a functional MVP can apply, from any sector. Founders must be at least 18, there must be at least two founders, and at least one co-founder must be full-time at the start. Saudi citizenship is not needed. International startups are eligible if they present a clear and achievable plan to expand into the Saudi market within one year of the programme beginning.

For an Indian startup this means a two-founder team with a working product and real customer evidence, willing to open a Saudi market. It does not suit solo founders, idea-stage teams, or those who cannot commit time to the mandatory sessions. The source says it supports Saudi incorporation for international founders, and does not say a local company is needed before selection.

How to apply

Applications open once a year through the official site. If the window is closed you can register your interest to be notified. You submit an online application, then wait for the results, which come shortly after the deadline, and shortlisted startups are invited to online interviews. Previous applications are not carried over, so rejected teams must reapply, and the organisers encourage them to do so. A practical tip: collect your customer interview notes or signed interest letters before the window opens, because the selection committee asks for evidence of progress.

How applications are judged and what happens next

More than 1,000 applications are reviewed each year by a selection committee that looks at the founding team, product, scalability and fit with the Saudi market. Up to 30 startups join a one-month virtual Bootcamp, held two to four times a week, and the most promising are then invited to continue and receive the US$40,000. The programme then includes a one-week in-person session at KAUST (5 to 8 hours a day), monthly sessions of about eight hours, and bi-weekly 30-minute mentor meetings. International participants receive help with visas and travel for the required in-person attendance.

About TAQADAM, KAUST and SAB

TAQADAM describes itself as a global startup accelerator powered by the networks of KAUST and SAB. KAUST is a university in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Since 2016 the accelerator has backed startups at all stages of growth.

Things to check before you apply

• The 2026 application window has passed and the source gives only a typical pattern (open in April, close by May or June), not a dated 2027 call. Register your interest on the site.
• The one-week in-person session at KAUST is mandatory. The source says international teams receive help with visas and travel, but does not say who pays.
• You must commit to a Saudi expansion plan within a year of starting.
• At least two founders and a full-time co-founder are required.
• You cannot be in another accelerator at the same time without approval.