Saudi Arabia’s NCA calls for startups to register for new cybersecurity accelerator

Participants are seen during the Saudi cyber security forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
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Updated 23 August 2022
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Saudi Arabia’s NCA calls for startups to register for new cybersecurity accelerator

  • The accelerator aims to strengthen entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, localize cybersecurity and encourage innovative solutions to cyber challenges across a range of disciplines, including data, cloud and artificial intelligence security

RIYADH: The National Cybersecurity Authority has called on local cybersecurity startups to register for its new accelerator through its website.

The accelerator forms part of the CyberIC program for the development of the cybersecurity sector and is one of the principal tools by which the NCA aims to stimulate the local cybersecurity ecosystem.

The program is designed to increase the number of cybersecurity startups by linking them with investors, targeting approximately 40 startups in the field within three years.

It will provide more than SR 6.5 million ($1.7 million) in financial support for expanding companies and more than 500 hours of guidance and direction.

The accelerator aims to strengthen entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, localize cybersecurity and encourage innovative solutions to cyber challenges across a range of disciplines, including data, cloud and artificial intelligence security.

The NCA is working to attract foreign and local investors to the industry.

Its launch of the cybersecurity accelerator is made in partnership with its technical arm, the Saudi Information Technology Company, and Plug and Play, which is one of the largest technology business accelerators in the world.

Both parties will contribute to the program by helping startups during their training and providing a supportive environment throughout the program.

 


Saudi deputy health minister meets World Health Organization’s regional director

Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi deputy health minister meets World Health Organization’s regional director

  • Their meeting is part of efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health and WHO

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of health for planning and development, Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, held talks on Tuesday with the World Health Organization’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy.

Their meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health and the WHO, officials said, and to advance high-level dialogue on shared regional and global health priorities.

They reviewed the outcomes of the first Strategic Dialogue between Saudi Arabia and WHO, which took place in August 2024, and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in a number of areas, including regional and international health priorities, and the development of resilient and sustainable health systems.

Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih held talks on Tuesday with the World Health Organization’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Hanan Balkhy. (Ministry of Health)

They highlighted the importance of effective international partnerships in efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services, the Ministry of Health said.

They also discussed the ministry’s objectives for the expansion of health-investment opportunities and a strengthening of Saudi Arabia’s role in the global health arena, with the aim of reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a key international health partner, and a contributor to the shaping of global health policies, the localization of the pharmaceuticals sector, and the transfer of technology, it added.

Balkhy’s official visit to the Kingdom will conclude on Wednesday.