Net Zero wins top sustainability award as the Kingdom’s innovators and investors spotlight a thriving startup ecosystem
Saudi Arabia’s dynamic startup sector took center stage at the G20 Startup20 Summit in Johannesburg, where a high-profile national delegation showcased the Kingdom’s rapid advancements in innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial growth.
Led by H.R.H. Prince Fahd bin Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz and supported by NEOM, the delegation brought together government agencies, private companies, nonprofit leaders, and rising entrepreneurs. Their mission was to highlight Saudi Arabia’s fast-developing innovation landscape and forge new international partnerships.
A series of strategic field visits formed a key part of the agenda. Delegates toured the Innovation Hub in Pretoria, the Investec Group headquarters, the Global Entrepreneurship Network’s On Sloane22 hub, Discovery Group’s technology facilities, and the Nelson Mandela House. Each visit facilitated knowledge-sharing, exposure to global innovation models, and discussions on collaborative opportunities to support startup growth.
During the summit’s gala dinner, Adwa AlDakheel, Founder and CEO of Falak Investment Hub, delivered an address celebrating what she described as a “golden moment” for entrepreneurship in the Kingdom. She emphasized the expanding role of women in shaping the national economy and highlighted that Falak Investment has supported startups collectively valued at up to 2 billion, generating thousands of jobs.
On the second day, Khalid AlMutawa of the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) highlighted Saudi Arabia’s initiatives to empower innovators and improve the competitiveness of the national startup ecosystem, stressing the importance of global collaboration.
One of the summit’s major highlights came as the Saudi startup Net Zero, led by Dr. Mohammed AlShaikh, won first place in the Sustainability and Green Technology category, affirming the growing international impact of Saudi-led solutions in critical industries.
A vibrant Saudi pavilion further amplified the Kingdom’s presence with showcases of promising projects, major investment opportunities, and hands-on workshops. These engagements resulted in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding and the exploration of new collaboration prospects with global innovation institutions.
Prince Fahd underscored during the main sessions that expanding the contribution of startups and SMEs is essential to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. He highlighted the significant progress made in building a competitive, globally connected entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia concluded its participation with strong outcomes, including global recognition, new partnerships, and increased visibility for its innovators, solidifying the Kingdom’s role as a rising leader in global entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
