What are you looking for?

About the Competition

The competition pits entrepreneurs in Four different tracks: Ideas, Startups, Social Entrepreneurship, and Environment Track. A total of 12 winners across the different tracks will receive cash prizes and will benefit from a range of other activities.

Startups Track

We are targeting high impactful startups who are legally registered in Saudi Arabia, with skilled and experienced team.

Social Entrepreneurship Track

We are looking for innovative businesses and organizations that can provide effective solutions to social challenges, while also generating profits.

Environmental Track

We are looking for validated and innovative ideas that have the potential to be transformed into successful companies.

Ideas Track

We are targeting startups that work on solving challenges in stopping deforestation, protecting biodiversity, achieving food & water sustainability, combating pollution & climate change, developing clean energy technologies, conserving natural resources, & other related areas.

Competition

Statistics

8500+
Individuals have applied to the competition to date
120+
Established Startups as a result of the competition
6000+
Entrepreneurs received benefits
1.44+
Equity-free investment awarded to winners to take their projects to the next level
200+
Jobs created by the Competition Startups
The participants in the competition will receive

Advantages and benefits

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Top tier training and mentorship.
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Expansive networking opportunities.
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Media exposure and outreach.
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Equity free prizes and access to investors.
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Access to work spaces through our partners.

Competition Timeline

April 6- June 15
Teaser campaign launch
April 27
Open competition registration
Educational bootcamp
April 27
Open competition registration
Educational bootcamp
June 16
Close competition registration
July 12
Announce 60 semifinalists
July 16 - July 19
Online Bootcamp
July 20
Round 2 judging
July 25
Announce 36 finalists
August 1 - September 3
Online Mentorship for the finalists
September 15 - 16
Exhibition Showcase Pubilc workshops
September 15
Final Judging Round
September 16
StartSmart Conference

Competition Timeline

About the Conference

Alongside the StartSmart Competition, we also offer the opportunity to explore new horizons to the participating entrepreneurs in the StartSmart Conference, where the audience can hear from decision-makers, industry leaders, and ecosystem experts in a day full of rich keynote speeches, engaging panel discussions, and more.

Video Gallery

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Highlights | 2022 StartSmart Conference and Investors Forum
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The Startup Competition 2022 Conference and Exhibition
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15 years of supporting entrepreneurship
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Fruits360 | Startups Track 1st place winner of the MITEF Saudi Startup Competition 2020
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Jaleesa | Social Track 1st place winner of the MITEF Saudi Startup Competition 2020
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Ejaro | Startups Track - MITEF Saudi Startup Competition 2020 Almuni
Start Smart

Partners

Over the years, the StartSmart Competition has partnered with leading organizations in the Saudi entrepreneurship ecosystem. For 2023, we are proud to partner with:

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