StartSmart Investment Forum 2026 brings together over 100 deep tech startups and investors in Riyadh

The StartSmart Investment Forum 2026 concluded in Riyadh after two days of networking, knowledge exchange and partnership-building between deep tech startups, investors and other stakeholders. The forum was co-organised by IASP member King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and held at “The Garage” Innovation Incubator and Accelerator. 

The event brought together 1,000+ visitors, 100+ investors, and featured 24 local and international speakers, who delivered a series of specialised panel discussions and sessions presenting the latest trends in innovation and technology, as well as growth and expansion strategies.  

The programme focused on up-and-coming deep tech sectors whose growth contributes to Saudi Arabia's transformation into a knowledge-based economy, including artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, digital health, smart cities and infrastructure. The forum also provided a professional platform for the exchange of expertise and knowledge between investment experts and entrepreneurs, showcasing best practices in startup development and highlighting inspiring success stories that have transformed ideas into impactful and promising ventures. 

Khalid Aldakkan, IASP WANA Division President and Senior Vice President of Innovation at KACST, commented: “KACTS’s participation in the forum stems from our ongoing commitment to supporting the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Kingdom and creating an attractive investment environment. The forum serves as platform to connect entrepreneurs with investors and represents a practical step towards enhancing societal impact, contributing to the creation of new economic opportunities, empowering national talent, improving quality of life, and strengthening the Kingdom’s economic competitiveness”. 

As part of the forum’s activities, participating organisations announced 12 cooperation agreements aimed at launching new programmes and initiatives to support the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, including the second edition of the Jameel DeepTech Initiative, which will focus on transforming research outputs into successful startups in the health, energy, and environmental sectors.