India Accelerator (IA), a multi-stage, fund-led accelerator, has launched its accelerator program in Saudi Arabia, backed by a dedicated $15 million fund to support Indian startups entering and scaling in the Kingdom.
The initiative is supported by the National Technology Development Program’s (NTDP) Empowering Accelerators product, advancing Saudi Arabia’s growing innovation mandate under Vision 2030.
The initiative will focus on startups across AI, Sustainability, Electric Mobility (EV), PropTech, and DeepTech- sectors closely aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 priorities and NTDP’s mission to accelerate technology-led economic transformation.
The first cohort, scheduled for launch in March 2026, will support 8–10 high-potential startups, providing them with structured market-entry support, regulatory guidance, access to local partnerships, and investor connectivity. Applications for the inaugural batch opened on December 8, 2025, and remained open until February 28, 2026.
Ashish Bhatia, Founder, India Accelerator, said, “Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the world’s most forward-looking innovation markets. Through this partnership with NTDP, we aim to offer Indian startups a trusted, structured pathway to scale in the Kingdom. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to enabling cross-border expansion and building meaningful linkages with global innovation ecosystems.”
Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), said, “Saudi Arabia and India are home to two advanced startup ecosystems. Through our partnership with India Accelerator, we are opening new pathways that enable Indian entrepreneurs to collaborate with Saudi partners, tap into the Kingdom’s evolving technology and investment landscape, and contribute to the growth of its digital economy. This partnership strengthens the connection between our ecosystems and helps deepen long-term collaboration between the two countries in technology and investment.”
The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) is a flagship initiative of Saudi Arabia, dedicated to accelerating the Kingdom’s digital economy and positioning it as a global hub for emerging technologies. NTDP drives growth by enabling startups and technology companies through strategic funding, international partnerships, policy integration, and talent development.
Through Products spanning venture financing, incubation and acceleration, R&D-industry collaborations, and global scaling programs, NTDP empowers local and international entrepreneurs to innovate and expand from Saudi Arabia to the world. Aligned with Vision 2030, NTDP is unlocking opportunities in deep tech, including AI, robotics, semiconductors, health, and sustainability, while catalyzing job creation, investment, and GDP growth.
India Accelerator (IA) is a seed-stage startup accelerator that aims to foster innovation and support upcoming founders has consistently positioned us at the forefront of the Indian start-up ecosystem. Along with the Accelerator, we are also very active in early-stage investments through its Joint Venture ‘Finvolve’ and its 3 AIFs & a Gift City Fund.
