Over 100 Saudi entrepreneurs to train at KAUST bootcamp

The bootcamp for startups at KAUST from March 1 to 3 will consist of intensive activities, including pitch practice, mentoring, design thinking, and more.
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Updated 02 March 2020
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Over 100 Saudi entrepreneurs to train at KAUST bootcamp

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Saudi are partnering to attract and support entrepreneurial talents in the region. KAUST is hosting around 45 startups from around the Kingdom for a bootcamp from Match 1 to 3 on its Thuwal campus. The bootcamp will consist of intensive activities, including pitch practice, mentoring, design thinking to business model development in three different tracks: Social, startup, and scaleup.
“We are excited to partner with MITEF Pan Arab and Saudi — one of the most prominent and established entrepreneurship programs that has graduated some of the top startups in the region,” said Dr. Kevin Cullen, vice president of innovation and economic development at KAUST. “We support startups from across the region with insights into the Saudi Arabian entrepreneurship ecosystem, and we help them tap into the support that KAUST offers through training and mentorship as well as access to funding and investor networks.”
Semifinalists from MITEF Saudi, which are part of a global network of chapters dedicated to the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation worldwide, are gearing up for the MITEF Saudi semifinals taking place at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) on March 7, leading up to the MITEF Pan Arab Region finals in Abu Dhabi on April 8.

HIGHLIGHT

Semifinalists from both the MITEF Pan Arab Region and MITEF Saudi are gearing up for the MITEF Saudi semifinals taking place at KAEC on March 7, leading up to the MITEF Pan Arab Region finals in Abu Dhabi on April 8.

Seven KAUST-trained startups have qualified for the MITEF Saudi semifinals, which include: Dormagg, Ghallah, Arabi, Firnas Aero, Sanoor, Wisensing, and Scientific Saudi. The participants will compete to win cash prizes, mentorship opportunities and advanced training, as well as opportunities to network with investors and the media.
MITEF Pan Arab was founded in 2005 with the goal of promoting and enriching the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Arab world.
“The bootcamp will offer this year’s Arab Startup Competition semifinalist teams unprecedented access to top-tier training, which will prepare them to face the judges a month later,” said Maya Rahal, managing director of the MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab. “This year’s bootcamp at KAUST— our innovation partner— joins for the first time both the Pan Arab and Saudi chapters of the MIT Enterprise Forum, marking a new milestone in the competition’s history.”
“The bootcamp is an important preparatory phase for the competitors to increase their chances of winning and their excellence in presenting to the judges,” said Bayan Abdullah Algamdi, head of entrepreneurship programs, MITEF Saudi. “We would like, on this occasion, to thank all of our partners, especially KAEC and KAUST for their continuous support in motivating entrepreneurs and their innovation in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.”


iCAUR V27 Saudi media test drive ignites excitement, conquering the Edge of the World!

Updated 29 January 2026
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iCAUR V27 Saudi media test drive ignites excitement, conquering the Edge of the World!

iCAUR held a V27 media test drive event in Riyadh on Jan. 22. 

Twelve local journalists and KOLs took four V27s to Saudi Arabia's famous natural landmark, the Edge of the World. 

They got a hands-on experience of the Boxy Styled SUV’s classic style and advanced technology on challenging real-world roads.

In the morning, journalists and KOLs gathered in downtown Riyadh. 

Through product briefings and interactive sessions, guests got an up-close look at the V27’s core technologies and design philosophy while enjoying a relaxed brunch, introducing iCAUR in detail. 

Afterward, the test drive convoy left the city and drove roughly 200 km northwest to the Edge of the World. 

During the drive, participants praised the V27’s smooth and quiet ride. 

They also appreciated the 15.4-inch 3K HD touchscreen and the smart infotainment system powered by the 8155 chip. 

Voice control for navigation, climate, and music was also highly appreciated.

The test drive destination, the Edge of the World, is located north of the Tuwaik Mountains, which stretches upto 1,000 km. 

It is a steep cliff with a drop of about 300 meters and is one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic natural wonders. 

The nearly two-hour journey passes vast plains with almost no signal and few clear road signs. The desert is full of faint tire tracks and gullies eroded by rain.

In this environment, the V27’s power and off-road capability are fully showcased. 

As iCAUR’s first mass-production model equipped with Golden REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle), the V27 uses a 1.5T engine dedicated to range extension, with a thermal efficiency of 45.79% and the ability to generate 3.71kWh per liter of fuel. 

This gives the V27 a combined range of over 1,000km, allowing it to handle long distances even in deserts and rugged terrains with limited refueling options. 

The front and rear dual motors deliver a combined 455hp, enabling 0–100km/h acceleration in around 5 seconds, providing consistent and strong power on complex roads. 

Tuned by the world-class Prodrive racing team and paired with the i-AWD (intelligent All-Wheel Drive) system, the V27 stays stable at high speeds. 

It also delivers precise, controlled handling on gravel and uneven surfaces, delivering an exceptional driving feel for a 5-meter vehicle. This balance of performance and efficiency has been repeatedly highlighted by the media and KOLs during the event. 

The first batch of iCAUR V27s has now been officially shipped to six Middle Eastern markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. 

The Middle East will serve as the global debut region for the V27, with launches in the UAE and Bahrain in February, followed by Saudi Arabia in March.

Before the official launch, iCAUR will roll out a series of activities in Saudi Arabia, including mall displays and showroom openings, allowing media and users to get up close with this new energy classic. 

The showrooms will also feature the AiMOGA humanoid robot, powered by Chery Group’s latest AI technology. Stay tuned!