In Saudi Arabia, start-up competitions have become essential engines for building the talent pipeline, raising entrepreneurial visibility and strengthening the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem.

Aligned with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030—from economic diversification and job creation to innovation-led growth—these events serve multiple strategic goals: shining a spotlight on entrepreneurial opportunity, attracting media and stakeholder attention, delivering mentorship and training, and connecting founders with investors and corporate partners.

Here, we turn our focus to one of the leading programs driving this momentum – the LEAP start-up competition.

LEAP Tech Event & Pitch Competitions (Rocket Fuel): Overview & context

  • LEAP Tech Event (commonly “LEAP”) is an annual technology conference held in Riyadh that serves as a global tech-showcase and startup ecosystem platform. LEAP 2026+2Wikipedia+2
  • A key component is the startup programme and pitch competition titled Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition (or simply “Rocket Fuel”). The competition is embedded in the LEAP event and gives startups a major stage.
  • For example: In 2025, the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition featured 120 shortlisted startups (from 31 countries, 40 sectors) with a US$ 1 million prize pool. Sharikat Mubasher+2Gulf Business+2

Key features

  • Prize structure (2025):
  • Selection & scale: 120+ startups selected for semi-final, then 12 finalists for the grand-final. LEAP:IN+2LEAP 2026+2
  • Sectoral breadth: Sectors included AI, Deep Tech, Sustainability, Smart Infrastructure, Advanced Manufacturing, Real Estate & Construction, Media/Entertainment, Future of Work & Living, etc. LEAP 2026+1
  • Major ecosystem metrics for LEAP 2026 are signposted: > 600 startups, > 1,900 investors, > 200,000 visitors in Riyadh. LEAP 2026+1


Impact & outcomes

  • Example winner: EduFi (Pakistani EdTech startup) won first prize at Rocket Fuel 2025, receiving US$ 250,000 after beating more than 2,000 competitors. Arab News
  • The blog “Rocket Fuel winners: Where are they now?” cites that the 2025 edition had 120+ startups from 31 countries and 40 sectors, and the startups received visibility, investor outreach, mentorship and networking. LEAP:IN
  • The competition serves as a high-visibility funnel: startups get to present on a major stage, to investors, corporates, press – accelerating their profile and sometimes their funding journey.


Why this competition matters

  • Global stage with Saudi anchor: For startups this is a chance to be showcased in the Middle East while tapping into Saudi’s growing tech ecosystem. For Saudi ecosystem actors (investors, corporates, government) it signals that KSA is open to global innovation and scaling.
  • High value prize pool + network effect: A US$ 1 million prize fund and high-profile judges/investors provide strong signal. Moreover, being shortlisted and even participating provides marketing, credibility and investor meetings.
  • Alignment with national strategy: Such events underscore Saudi’s ambition to become a tech hub, attract foreign startups, investments, talent. For example, the competition is sponsored by National Technology Development Program (NTDP) as per media.


Considerations / Observations

  • While the prize pool is significant, the number of startups (120+) means visibility is somewhat diluted; the key value may be in the network and exposure rather than the prize alone.
  • For local Saudi entrepreneurs, participation in a global competition can open doors – but also sets a high bar; some may feel overshadowed by international players.
  • The ecosystem benefit is large, but measuring direct job or startup creation beyond the competition may be harder (versus training-based programs).
  • From a branding perspective, the competition helps position Saudi as a global tech/innovation hub, but the long-term follow-through (e.g., spin-outs, scale, exits) must be tracked to gauge depth of impact.