RIYADH: Twenty technology startups from the fourth cohort of the Misk Accelerator program graduated on Wednesday, as announced by the foundation.
This comes in cooperation with the global innovation Plug and Play platform, through which Misk seeks to empower startups in the Saudi Arabia.
Held in the Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, the graduation took place on the day of presenting the projects that qualified for the final stage.
The program is considered one of the most essential business accelerators in the region since its launch in 2019, as it supports emerging technology companies in their initial stages.
It has enabled more than 130 startups, creating more than 2,330 jobs, with a total market value exceeding the barrier of SR1.2 billion ($320 million).
The CEO of the foundation, Dr. Badr Al-Badr, said that Misk is distinguished by its vital system, based on the vision of its founder, pointing to the endeavor to open broad and diverse horizons for young people and owners of startup companies.
This allows them to invest in their latent capabilities and develop the professional and personal skills that qualify them to lead the future of the Kingdom.
Al-Badr added that Misk harnesses all its capabilities to support youth and create opportunities for them to empower and involve them in addressing future challenges through its various paths, affiliates, and innovative initiatives and programs.
The CEO and founder of Plug and Play, Saeed Amidi, said that the commitment and achievements of these startups are an indication of the qualitative talents in the Kingdom, stressing that cooperation with Misk Foundation in supporting these technology startups is essential for the growth of the entrepreneurial environment in Saudi Arabia.
The graduation day was attended by investors who viewed 20 presentations.
With that, technology companies can begin the next step of their entrepreneurial journey of seeking rapid growth after passing the intensive training phase, which lasted 12 weeks.
20 startups graduate from Misk Accelerator program
https://arab.news/cy3k4
20 startups graduate from Misk Accelerator program
- This comes in cooperation with the global innovation Plug and Play platform, through which Misk seeks to empower startups in the Saudi Arabia
- Held in the Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, the graduation took place on the day of presenting the projects that qualified for the final stage
Experimental farm in Al-Lith looks into future of Saudi Arabian agriculture
- Research initiative reflects strategic transformation
JEDDAH: An experimental farm in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Lith Governorate is one of the research initiatives reflecting the strategic transformation taking place in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.
The farm uses highly efficient, sustainable production models that combine scientific research with commercial application, contributing to strengthening the country’s food security system and the sustainability of water resources.
Located in the Ghumaiqa Center on an area of about 10 hectares, the cutting-edge farm is a testing platform for modern agricultural technologies that tackle the challenge of water scarcity.
The farm includes developed open fields and modern greenhouses, supported by smart irrigation encompassing drip and sprinkler irrigation alongside surface and subsurface technologies.
All the systems operate via smart controls that enable the monitoring of water consumption and ensure improved efficiency, thereby achieving a balance between agricultural production and water conservation.
The farm also uses treated and diluted low-salinity seawater.
It aims to diversify agricultural water sources, reduce reliance on freshwater, and open new horizons for agriculture in coastal and semi-arid environments.
The project represents a promising investment opportunity in the field of smart agriculture, enabling the development of commercially scalable production models, particularly for high-value vegetables and fruits, while reducing operational costs associated with water and energy, enhancing the economic feasibility of future agricultural projects.
In addition, the project contributes to transferring and localizing agricultural expertise, supporting local food supply chains, and creating an attractive environment for agricultural investment.
This aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and enhances the efficiency of the private sector in adopting innovative agricultural solutions.
Yahya bin Abdulrahman Al-Mahabi, the director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Al-Lith Governorate, told the Saudi Press Agency that the project represented the future of agriculture in the Kingdom.
He explained that the vision was based on investing in technology, enhancing the return on water per unit, and integrating scientific research with investment opportunities.
Al-Mahabi spoke of the experimental farm as a modern, scalable and replicable model applicable in several regions of the Kingdom, particularly in coastal environments.
Al-Mahabi highlighted the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s commitment to supporting distinctive projects that contributed to achieving food security while developing rural areas and enhancing agricultural production efficiency, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
