Saudi Gazette report

Riyadh — A 144% growth has been recorded in women’s companies registered in Badir Program for Technology Incubators last year, according to the program’s CEO Nawaf Al-Sahhaf.

Badir is a Technology Incubator Program launched by the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in 2007. ‘Badir’, which means ‘to initiate’, is a national program aimed at accelerating the growth of emerging technology based businesses in Saudi Arabia.

So far 44 companies have registered in the program specializing in telecommunication, programming, e-commerce and applications for smart devices.

More companies run by Saudi female entrepreneurs are expected to register in the Badir Program, said Al-Sahhaf.

The Kingdom expects the technology innovation and development sector to play a prominent role in economic growth.

The growth of women’s companies registered in the Badir Program is good compared to the past five years, said Al-Sahhaf.

He said the program has contributed in supporting ambitious initiatives and innovative ideas by Saudi female entrepreneurs.

The program provides them suitable work environment and helps them manage their businesses. Special offices are provided to train women and to organize workshops.

The program has contributed in raising awareness among Saudi women about technology entrepreneurship and encouraging the culture of self-employment through workshops, training programs and organizing seminars for female university students.

Al-Sahhaf called on Saudi female entrepreneurs interested in converting their technology ideas into successful investment projects to contact the program which provides logistical support for their projects.

A total of 239 projects have been provided technology incubators since the establishment of the program until the end of 2017, providing 1,615 full-time and part-time jobs to Saudi men and women.

A total of 207,827 Saudis are registered with the companies which deliver products via smart applications.

The goal of the Badir Program is to support the growth and development of business opportunities in technology and the advancement of entrepreneurial knowledge and expertise.

The Badir Program for Technology Incubators provides a favorable environment where Saudi entrepreneurs and innovators can put their ideas, projects, and inventions into good use for the advancement of the country and the community as a whole.