RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is accelerating its entry into the deep tech sector, supported by national programs and initiatives that are strengthening the Kingdom’s innovation infrastructure, according to a report.
In its latest analysis, Saudi Venture Capital Co. said a growing research base, leading universities, and stronger collaboration among academia, investors and the private sector are supporting the expansion of the deep tech sector in the country.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is one of the leading deep tech research institutions in the Kingdom, while government bodies overseeing progress in the sector include the Research, Development and Innovation Authority and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.
SVC further highlighted that deep tech has emerged as a dominant force in global venture capital, accounting for approximately 40 percent of investments worldwide, reflecting a rapid shift toward science-driven innovation and its growing role in reshaping economic sectors and enhancing long-term competitiveness.
“Deep Tech represents a fundamental shift in global investment opportunities. It is no longer limited to technological innovation and has become a key driver of long-term economic growth, given its ability to transform scientific research into impactful products and companies,” said Nora Al-Sarhan, deputy CEO and chief investment officer at SVC.
She added: “This transformation creates significant opportunities for economies that can effectively integrate research, funding, and commercialization within a unified ecosystem.”
According to the report, sustaining momentum in Saudi Arabia’s deep tech sector will require better alignment of incentives, improved market access, and stronger collaboration among all stakeholders within a fully integrated ecosystem.
SVC added that these measures will accelerate the translation of research and innovation into lasting economic value, while enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness.
The Kingdom’s tech-based ecosystem is growing steadily, with science-based startups emerging across multiple sectors, particularly in advanced computing, industrial automation, and intelligent systems.
Many of these companies are primarily concentrated in key knowledge hubs such as Riyadh, Thuwal, home to KAUST, and Dhahran.
The release said: “Venture capital plays a critical role in enabling deep Tech by providing long-term funding and the expertise required for complex, high-risk projects with extended development cycles.
“This underscores the importance of flexible financing models based on ‘patient capital’ that can support companies through to commercial maturity.”
