Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: At the MIT Saudi Business Symposium 2025, American startups are vying for a foothold in the Saudi market through the “Beyond Borders” competition: an initiative aimed at drawing AI-driven innovation into the Kingdom.

The competition is designed to attract global startups specializing in artificial intelligence, support their expansion into the Saudi market through the "Invest in Saudi" initiative, and promote their growth with targeted awards provided by key Saudi organizations.

Both the government and private sectors are actively involved in enabling international companies to enter and scale in the Kingdom. Among the support services offered is access to CODE Gate, a program that aims to help startups gain access to a vast network of investors, mentors, and partners, navigate the market, and secure the resources they need to succeed.

 Licensing procedures are also being streamlined to help companies register and operate smoothly in the local market. In addition, consulting services are being made available to assist with product development and offer sector-specific guidance.

Selected startups will gain direct entry into STC’s inspireU accelerator, where they’ll benefit from mentorship, business development opportunities, and the chance to participate in both local and international conferences. Moreover, they will have the potential to connect with institutional clients and integrate into STC’s digital platforms, opening doors to high-value contracts within the Kingdom’s corporate ecosystem.

This coordinated effort is backed by the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, as well as key private sector enablers like inspireU and solutions by STC.