Fast approvals, funding, and manufacturing - the Pioneering Startup Attraction Program (PSAP) 2025 makes it happen!
The Pioneering Startup Attraction Program (PSAP) is led by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA), Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), and Invest Saudi to bring the world’s most promising healthcare innovators to Saudi Arabia. The program provides everything product-driven businesses need to thrive — making Saudi Arabia the ultimate launchpad for healthcare innovation.
Fast-tracked regulatory approvals with SFDA and FDA, aligned with KSA’s approach to medical device manufacturing.
Leverage advanced manufacturing facilities and secure local supply chain partners to scale production efficiently.
Develop a localized workforce, access to training programs, and collaborate with leading academic institutions in Saudi Arabia.
Government incentives and funding, including subsidies for R&D and manufacturing — cases are treated individually on their merits.
The Pioneering Startup Attraction Program seeks to attract cutting-edge startups in high-impact sectors, with a special emphasis on healthcare and advanced technologies, to establish operations in Saudi Arabia. The program is looking for product-based solutions by healthcare startups, scale-ups, and spin-offs working on the following areas:
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DIGITAL HEALTH
Seeking AI, IoT, and Blockchain solutions for early disease detection, personalized medicine, predictive analytics, and health data management.
MEDICAL DEVICES & WEARABLES
Exploring innovations in AI-powered wearables, advanced medical devices, and biosensors for real-time health monitoring and early diagnosis.
BIOTECH & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Looking for breakthroughs in CRISPR, bioprinting, nanotech, and smart drug discovery to advance personalized medicine and regenerative therapies.
ROBOTICS & SMART HEALTHCARE
Interested in robotics, automation, predictive maintenance, and telehealth solutions to enhance patient care and healthcare efficiency.
Saudi Arabia has long pioneered innovation in oil refining, desalination, digital banking, and green hydrogen, yet many breakthroughs were commercialized elsewhere — the Pioneering Startup Attraction Program 2025 is here to change that, ensuring the next wave of Saudi innovation is built, scaled, and commercialized at home.
Strategic Location: Saudi Arabia is a gateway to the MENA region and a hub for global trade.
Vision 2030 Initiatives: Robust government support for innovation, technology, and sustainable practices combined with the most dynamic market potential in the Middle East. a
Advanced Infrastructure: State-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with world-class institutions.
Incentives for Startups: Competitive incentives, regulatory streamlining, and access to funding.
15 JANUARY 2025
Applications Open
16 MARCH 2025
Application Deadline
17 MARCH – 17 APRIL 2025
Application Evaluation
1 MAY 2025
Program Begins
APPLY NOW
See our responses to some of the most common questions or view our Terms & Conditions.
What is the background of this Challenge?
The challenge aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation by attracting pioneering startups to address critical needs in healthcare, technology, and other strategic sectors. It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of fostering economic diversification and sustainability.
Why are MISA/RDIA/Invest Saudi the right partners for my company?
These organizations provide unparalleled support through:
• Extensive Network Access: Connection to key players within Saudi Arabia’s innovation and industrial ecosystem.
• Regulatory Expertise: Fast-tracked approvals and support in compliance, especially for sectors like healthcare and technology.
• Tailored Support: Assistance in manufacturing, workforce development, and R&D.
• Financial Incentives: Access to a diverse range of government funding opportunities and tailored financial solutions.
What makes Saudi Arabia an attractive innovation destination?
• Strategic Location: Saudi Arabia is a gateway to the MENA region and a hub for global trade.
• Vision 2030 Initiatives: Robust government support for innovation, technology, and sustainable practices combined with the most dynamic market potential in the Middle East.
• Advanced Infrastructure: State-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with world-class institutions.
• Incentives for Startups: Competitive incentives, regulatory streamlining, and access to funding.
What are the Challenge's key benefits for me?
Your benefits include:
• Network Access: Introduction to MISA’s & RDIA partnership network.
• Regulatory Support: Fast-tracked regulatory approvals with SFDA and FDA collaboration, aligned with KSA’s approach to medical device manufacturing.
• Tailored Manufacturing Support: Leverage advanced manufacturing facilities and secure local supply chain partners to scale production efficiently.
• Workforce and R&D Support: Develop a localized workforce, access to training programs, and collaborate with leading academic institutions in Saudi Arabia.
• Incentives & Financial Backing: Government incentives and funding, including subsidies for research, development, and manufacturing — cases are treated individually on their merits.
What kind of solutions is MISA looking for?
The Challenge is looking for innovative healthcare and technology solutions working in the following areas:
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
• AI-Powered Personalized Medicine
• AI-Based Decision Support Systems
• AI-Powered Predictive Analytics for Early Disease Detection
• AI-Enhanced Wearable Devices
• AI for Smart Cities and Public Health Monitoring
• AI-Integrated Telemedicine Platforms
• AI-Based Early Detection Systems for Alzheimer's Disease
• AI-Based Early detection of Epilepsy Seizures
Internet of Things (IoT):
• IoT-Based Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring
• IoT Systems for Precision Agriculture
• IoT-Enhanced Public Health Monitoring
Wearable Technology:
• Smart Wearables for Glucose Monitoring
• AI-Enhanced Wearable Devices for Cardiovascular Monitoring
Medical Devices:
• Development of Anti-Bleeding Medical Devices
• Advanced Prosthetics (FUSIS+ Prosthesis)
• Biodegradable Polymers for Sustainable Medical Devices
Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:
• AI-Enhanced Telehealth Services for Rural Areas
• AI-Integrated Platforms for Remote Patient Monitoring
Nanotechnology:
• Smart Drug Delivery Systems Using Nanotechnology
Bio-Sensors:
• Development of Bio-Sensors for Early Detection of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Robotics:
• AI-Enhanced Robotic Systems for Physical Therapy
Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure:
• Predictive Maintenance in Healthcare Facilities Using AI
• AI-Based Systems for Disease Prevention and Management in Smart Cities
Blockchain Technology:
• Secure Electronic Health Records uses blockchain to create a secure, patient centric record management system
• Drug Supply Chain Management
• Clinical Trials and Research
• Patient Identity and Consent management
• Insurance Claims and fraud Prevention
• Interoperability between Healthcare systems using blockchain to create decentralized platform for sharing healthcare information between providers, payers and patients.
• Decentralized Healthcare Marketplace where patients can store and share their medical data securely and allow them to connect with healthcare providers in decentralized network
• To track vaccine distribution and storage conditions, ensuring safe delivery and preventing fraud.
• Secure Genomic Data Sharing
Biotechnology:
• Genetic Engineering for Personalized Medicine
• Bioprinting of Tissues and Organs
• CRISPR Technology for Gene Editing
Generative Medicine:
• AI-Driven Drug Discovery
• Personalized Treatment Generation
• Disease Modeling and Simulation
When is the application deadline?
The application period for this challenge ends on 16th March 2025.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
Yes, multiple submissions are allowed as long as they address different innovative solutions aligned with the program’s focus areas.
How will the applications be evaluated?
Applications will be assessed based on:
• Innovation and Impact: The uniqueness and societal benefit of the proposed solution.
• Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030: Contributions to economic diversification and sectoral transformation.
• Feasibility and Scalability: The practicality of the solution and its potential to scale in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
• Localization and Sustainability: Efforts to build local capacity and integrate sustainable practices.