Saudi Arabia has unveiled the 10 startups selected for the 2026 edition of the Design in Saudi Arabia with AI (DISAI) programme, a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence, industrial IoT and advanced wireless technology innovation across the Kingdom.
- More Than 124 Applications Reflect Growing AI Momentum
- Ten Startups Chosen for DISAI 2026
- Circula
- Crosscall
- Deqa AI
- Dexabot
- Digital Petroleum
- Electronic Photonics
- Finix Systems
- Nommas.ai
- SDM
- Tawkeed
- Expanded Support Through HUMAIN Partnership
- Industry Leaders Highlight Saudi Arabia’s AI Ambitions
- Startups Receive Mentorship, Funding Access and IP Training
- Qualcomm Launches Free IP Learning Platform
The programme is jointly supported by Qualcomm Technologies, Aramco through aramcoSAIL (Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab), Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), and HUMAIN. Together, the partners aim to help high-potential startups transform innovative concepts into commercially viable products.
The announcement highlights Saudi Arabia’s continued push to strengthen its position as a regional and global hub for AI-driven innovation in line with Vision 2030.
More Than 124 Applications Reflect Growing AI Momentum
Building on the success of its inaugural 2025 cohort, DISAI 2026 attracted more than 124 applications from startups across Saudi Arabia. The strong response underscores growing interest in artificial intelligence, edge computing, industrial automation and next-generation connectivity solutions.
This year, organisers expanded the programme’s technical capabilities. As a result, participants will gain access to advanced development platforms, including Arduino UNO Q, Arduino VENTUNO JQ, Qualcomm AI accelerators such as AIC200, and industrial AI gateway platforms.
Furthermore, the initiative offers hands-on support in product development, intellectual property strategy, prototyping and commercialisation.
Ten Startups Chosen for DISAI 2026
The selected startups represent a diverse range of sectors, including industrial automation, healthcare, mobility, sustainability and enterprise AI.
Circula
A Saudi startup that uses AI to automate industrial waste recovery and regulatory compliance through a circular-economy platform.
Crosscall
The French company develops rugged AIoT tracking solutions designed for industrial operations and worker safety applications.
Deqa AI
This Saudi venture provides AI-powered enterprise automation and decision-support tools that help organisations improve operational efficiency.
Dexabot
A Canadian startup focused on industrial security and surveillance solutions powered by autonomous drones and drone fleets.
Digital Petroleum
The company has developed an edge-AI industrial sensor capable of replacing multiple legacy sensors, simplifying Industry 4.0 implementation.
Electronic Photonics
The Saudi startup delivers LiDAR-powered edge-AI traffic digital twin technology for smart intersections and urban mobility analytics.
Finix Systems
Its modular industrial IoT edge controller enables businesses to modernise legacy equipment with smart monitoring capabilities.
Nommas.ai
The startup offers an AI-powered “factory brain” that supports predictive maintenance, quality inspection and workplace safety.
SDM
A healthcare-focused company that uses AI-driven medical imaging to support the early detection of multiple diseases.
Tawkeed
The Saudi firm provides an Arabic-first AI document intelligence platform designed to meet local data sovereignty requirements.
Expanded Support Through HUMAIN Partnership
A key addition to DISAI 2026 is the involvement of HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s national AI champion.
Through this collaboration, startups may receive access to advanced AI infrastructure, including cloud-based inference resources, AI-enabled PCs with on-device acceleration and support for deploying larger AI models on HUMAIN’s computing platforms.
Consequently, participants will gain stronger technical capabilities and greater opportunities to scale AI applications for commercial use.
Industry Leaders Highlight Saudi Arabia’s AI Ambitions
Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Aramco, said the programme has evolved beyond startup support and now serves as a catalyst for broader industrial AI innovation.
He noted that DISAI has inspired the creation of larger open-innovation initiatives that invite global startups to solve industrial challenges through advanced AI technologies.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yazeed Alaskar, Acting Vice Governor of Innovation Ecosystem Development at RDIA, emphasised that DISAI demonstrates the Kingdom’s growing leadership in developing AI solutions for critical sectors such as energy, healthcare, sustainability and industry.
Dr. Yaser Al-Onaizan, Deputy CEO and President of AI Products at HUMAIN, said strategic collaboration remains essential for building a resilient and globally competitive technology ecosystem.
Similarly, Wassim Chourbaji, President for the Middle East and Africa at Qualcomm, described Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s most ambitious deep-tech ecosystems. He added that initiatives such as DISAI help convert national AI ambitions into real-world products and commercial opportunities.
Startups Receive Mentorship, Funding Access and IP Training
The DISAI programme runs from April to November 2026 and will conclude with a showcase event where startups present their prototypes and solutions to investors, industry leaders and ecosystem partners.
During the programme, founders will receive technical mentorship from Qualcomm and Aramco experts. In addition, participants will gain access to entrepreneurship coaching, patenting and intellectual property training, development tools and networking opportunities with potential investors.
The initiative aims to improve product readiness, accelerate commercialisation and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem.
Qualcomm Launches Free IP Learning Platform
Alongside DISAI 2026, Qualcomm has introduced a free online learning platform designed to help startups, researchers and small businesses protect and commercialise intellectual property.
The platform provides practical guidance on patents, IP strategy and technology commercialisation. By improving intellectual property awareness, Qualcomm hopes to support stronger innovation outcomes and create long-term economic value across Saudi Arabia’s technology sector.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its AI agenda and designates 2026 as the “Year of AI,” programmes such as DISAI are expected to play a critical role in nurturing local talent, attracting global innovators and driving the Kingdom’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy.
