Saudi Arabia startups making a positive impact in 2025

Saudi Arabia's tech startup scene is experiencing a remarkable transformation this year. The nation is emerging as a global hotspot for innovation and impact-driven entrepreneurship. With a surge in venture capital, strategic partnerships, and a focus on solving real-world challenges, KSA is rapidly becoming a beacon for tech talent and investors worldwide.

A thriving ecosystem fueled by the Vision 2030

The Vision 2030 was launched in 2016 – and it’s hard to believe we’re nearly a decade on until you stop and take stock of how much has changed since then.

The initiative has been a catalyst for the country's tech revolution. Earlier in 2025, Saudi Arabia was named ‘Country of the Year’ by StartupBlink, recognising a staggering 200%+ growth in its startup ecosystem. Riyadh, in particular, has risen to third place in the Middle East's startup ecosystem rankings, reflecting its burgeoning tech landscape 

This growth has been supported by substantial investments and initiatives aimed at fostering innovation. It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway) that we’re proud to be a part of that growth – LEAP is a magnet for innovation and investment here. 

Impact-driven startups and partnerships are making positive change 

Several Saudi startups are making significant strides in addressing global challenges, including:

• Lucidya
  Founded in 2016, Lucidya has developed AI-powered customer experience management tools that help businesses understand and engage with their customers more effectively. Their solutions have been instrumental in enhancing customer satisfaction – and importantly, driving business growth across the MENA region.
  
  
• Cellenkos Inc.
  In Q2 2025, Cellenkos Inc. announced its partnership with King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh. It’s a Houston-based biomedical firm conducting pioneering clinical trials on cell therapies targeting diseases like aplastic anemia and ALS – and by working with KFSHRC in Saudi Arabia, Cellenkos is committing to advancing T regulatory cell therapies for unmet diseases.
  
  
• NextEra
  A joint venture between Aramco Digital and LTIMindtree, also launched at the end of Q2, NextEra aims to drive and support Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation in alignment with the Vision 2030. The establishment of NextEra signifies a strategic partnership to bolster digital innovation and IT capabilities in the region. 

Global collaborations position Saudi Arabia as an AI hub

Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global AI hub is evident through its strategic partnerships and investments. The newly launched state-owned company, Humain, backed by the $940 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), aims to build world-class AI infrastructure and attract major US tech partners. Recent deals include $23 billion in contracts with American firms such as Nvidia, AMD, AWS, and Qualcomm, with plans to procure 180,000 Nvidia chips. 

These collaborations are not only enhancing Saudi Arabia's technological capabilities but also creating opportunities for startups to integrate advanced technologies into their solutions – which means they can scale faster and amplify their impact. 

A vibrant, supportive startup environment 

We couldn’t write about Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem without mentioning the vibrant community and supportive environment that early-stage tech companies can access here. 

At LEAP, we’re a part of that – giving startups a platform to showcase their innovations, connect with investors, and form strategic partnerships. LEAP speaker Margarete Schramböck (Board Member at Aramco Digital; Former Minister of Economy and Digital, Austria) told us the energy of Riyadh inspired her:

“It is amazing: it is vibrant and adventurous. Saudi Arabia is a fascinating country for me. Riyadh is a worldwide hotspot. It is the place to be, especially for a young digital tech generation.” 

Her advice to tech companies interested in launching in the Saudi market is, in short, to go for it.

“Saudi Arabia is currently the place to be. Companies that want to do business here must be fast and innovative. Seize the moment, be brave and professional. The possibilities here are many; you just have to take advantage of them.” 

As we head towards Q3 2025, Saudi Arabia’s tech startups will continue to make an impact on the country, the wider region, and the world. They’re addressing critical challenges and contributing to the nation’s economic diversification goals. 

Could your startup thrive in Saudi Arabia? Register now to attend LEAP 2026 and build your network in Riyadh.