SaudiPreneur Program Celebrates First Graduates
Participants underwent over 33 hours of training, including workshops and mentorship from industry experts.
Riyadh recently celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the "SaudiPreneur" program, a collaborative initiative by EYouth and VMS Startup Studio designed to support Saudi entrepreneurs.[1]
The program focuses on nurturing Saudi talent in the entrepreneurial sphere, offering comprehensive training and resources to help young Saudis build their startups. Participants underwent over 33 hours of training, including workshops and mentorship from industry experts.
EYouth, an organization in youth education and training in the Middle East, provided a curriculum that combined practical application with contemporary entrepreneurship theories. Out of over 460 applicants, 50 participants were selected for the program.
Participants worked in groups to develop projects aimed at advancing the Saudi economy. They presented 27 project ideas, with eight making it to the finals. VMS Startup Studio offered prizes for the top projects.
Three groups were awarded the Best Three Projects Award during the graduation ceremony. The "Tahyaa" team won first place for their AI-powered platform designed to assess youth skills and provide career path recommendations and practical training. Team members Fatima Saeed Al-Mulla, Abdullah Omar Belsharf, and Ahmed Al-Fahad will benefit from a year-long incubation journey with VMS Startup Studio, including workspace, financial and strategic consultations, and other benefits.
The "Adalah" team took second place with their AI-based chat solution specializing in Saudi law, created by Abdulrahman Al-Mutlaq and Mohammed Al-Huqail. They will receive a six-month incubation journey.
Third place went to the "Dietitian Journey" team for their platform focused on therapeutic nutrition for professionals in the field. Team members Atheer Mahmas Al-Dosari, Renad Khalid Bin Kulaib, Rowaid Jaber Al-Tabairi, Al-Jouri Al-Mahjoub, and Al-Jawhara Al-Mahjoub will benefit from a three-month incubation with VMS Startup Studio.
The graduation ceremony marked the end of a three-month journey where participants learned to generate ideas and transform them into viable business models. The event was attended by entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen in the Kingdom, who engaged in discussions about innovation and the potential of Saudi youth.
Once known for its vast oil reserves, Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This transformation is driven by the ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and advance technological progress.
