Saudi Youth Excel in “Saudipruneur” Programme’s First Graduation Ceremony in Riyadh

The inaugural graduation ceremony of the "Saudipruneur" programme was held in Riyadh last week, marking a significant milestone for budding Saudi entrepreneurs. This initiative, a collaboration between EYouth and VMS Startup Studio, aims to nurture Saudi talents in the entrepreneurial sector by equipping them with essential skills and resources for future startup ventures.

Participants underwent over 33 hours of intensive training, including workshops and mentorship sessions led by industry experts. EYouth, renowned for youth education and training in the Middle East, provided a top-notch curriculum blending practical application with modern entrepreneurial theories.

From over 460 applicants, only 50 young men and women were selected. These participants worked in groups to develop project ideas aimed at advancing the Saudi economy. Out of 27 presented projects, 8 reached the finals.

During the ceremony, VMS Startup Studio recognized the top three projects with valuable prizes. The "Tahyaa" team won first place for their AI-driven platform to assess youth skills, identify career paths, and offer practical training. Team members Fatima Saeed Al-Mulla, Abdullah Omar Belsharf, and Ahmed Al-Fahad will benefit from a year-long incubation at VMS Startup Studio, including workspace, financial, and strategic consultations.

The "Adalah" team, consisting of Abdulrahman Al-Mutlaq and Mohammed Al-Huqail, secured second place with their AI-based chat solution specializing in Saudi law. They will receive a six-month incubation journey.

Third place went to "Dietitian Journey," a platform focusing on therapeutic nutrition for professionals. Team members Atheer Mahmas Al-Dosari, Renad Khalid Bin Kulaib, Rowaid Jaber Al-Tabairi, Al-Jouri Al-Mahjoub, and Al-Jawhara Al-Mahjoub will enjoy a three-month incubation period.

Abdullah Al-Shamrani, General Manager of the Digital Entrepreneurship Center at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, expressed his joy at partnering with King Saud University to host the programme. He emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering entrepreneurs to transform their startups into billion-dollar enterprises, contributing significantly to the Kingdom's GDP.

Motaz Abuonq, founder and CEO of VMS Startup Studio, praised the creativity and perseverance of the participants, leading to an increase in the number of awards from one to three. He reiterated his commitment to supporting Saudi entrepreneurs, helping them turn their ideas into successful global companies.

Mustafa Abdul Latif, co-founder and CEO of EYouth, highlighted the programme's role in EYouth's expansion into Saudi Arabia. He expressed confidence in the potential of Saudi youth and the impact of specialized training programmes designed to meet their needs.

The graduation ceremony celebrated the participants' three-month journey of learning to generate innovative ideas and transform them into viable business models. The event was attended by prominent entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders in the Kingdom, fostering discussions on innovation and the promising future of Saudi youth.