KACST: Over 3,000 Researchers and 90 Startups Supported Through Saudi Youth Empowerment Ecosystem

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) said its national youth empowerment ecosystem now encompasses more than 3,000 researchers, innovators and specialists and has supported over 90 deep‑tech startups, while Academy 32 programs have reached more than 21,700 beneficiaries. The agency also highlighted The Garage, a platform it operates that has graduated more than 600 technology startups, positioning these initiatives as central to converting high‑value research into marketable products and services aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

"KACST is building an integrated ecosystem connecting national laboratories with government entities, the private sector and investors," the agency said, highlighting the deliberate linkage between research capabilities and commercialization pathways.

The ecosystem aims to bridge the gap from laboratory to market by accelerating the transformation of advanced research and innovative technologies into companies and products with economic and social impact. KACST describes the approach as a multi‑layered pipeline: early talent development through Academy 32; entrepreneurship support, mentorship and business development via The Garage; and connections to investors and private‑sector partners to scale ventures.

Academy 32 is presented as a cornerstone of talent development within the KACST framework. KACST reported that Academy 32’s specialized programs—covering research, development, innovation and future‑focused fields—have delivered training to more than 21,700 beneficiaries to date. The programs are designed to develop future skills and prepare Saudi youth to contribute to the Kingdom’s expanding scientific and technology sectors.

The Garage, described by KACST as a platform dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and technology startups, provides mentorship, business model development, and consulting in marketing, human resources and technology development. "The Garage has helped graduate more than 600 technology startups," KACST said, a figure the agency cites to demonstrate the platform’s role in converting ideas into commercially viable companies and adding value to the national economy.

Support for deep‑tech startups is a clear focus: KACST notes that its ecosystem supports over 90 startups operating in deep technology sectors, where solutions are built on advanced scientific research, engineering and emerging technologies. The agency frames this support as essential to building a competitive national innovation ecosystem able to generate exportable technologies and foster domestic industry.

Looking ahead

• KACST intends to continue integrating national laboratories with government bodies, private industry and investors to speed commercialization.
• Academy 32 will expand its training pipeline, aiming to further scale the pool of skilled researchers and innovators feeding startups and research teams.
• The Garage will maintain its role in accelerating early‑stage ventures into growth‑ready companies through mentorship, investor connections and operational support.

By aligning talent development, incubator support and investor linkage, KACST positions its youth empowerment ecosystem as a practical mechanism to support Saudi Vision 2030 objectives of economic diversification and a knowledge‑based economy. The agency’s reported figures—more than 3,000 researchers and innovators, over 90 deep‑tech startups supported, 21,700 beneficiaries of Academy 32 and upward of 600 Garage graduate startups—serve as the benchmarks by which it measures progress toward those goals.