KAUST Innovation Ventures
Building 34 KRTP HQ, Level 2, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
Overview
KAUST Innovation Fund is a venture capital firm that aims to grow an innovation and technology investment community and to attract investors and venture capital firms to the emerging Saudi technology ecosystem. The firm makes venture capital investments in high-tech startups from seed to early-stage and becomes a long-term strategic partner of these ventures. It specializes in the solar and alternative energy, water, information and communications, material and chemical sciences, electrical and electronics, biological and life sciences sectors, ICT. Additionally, the ecosystem provides mentorship and acceleration to the startups through the Entrepreneurship Center. and chemical sciences, electrical and electronics, biological and life sciences sectors, ICT.
- Total investments
- 2
- Lead investments
- 1
- Investments · 12mo
- 1
- Active investors
- 8
Sector focus
- Finance
- Financial Services
- Venture Capital
Investment portfolio
- Sinai.ai
Led · Seed · Apr 2026
Sinai.ai builds an AI-native books platform centered on its trademarked, patent-backed aiBook™ format, which the company says is built on 100% licensed, full-text content. The platform enables interactive book experiences where readers can converse with titles in real time, generate study guides and quizzes, access multilingual editions, and switch between reading and listening. Sinai.ai is launching with thousands of titles and has secured partnerships with double-digit publishers, including several prominent industry names. The company was co-founded by Ahmed Kamel (CEO), Mohamed Elshamy (CRO), Mohamed Elshenawy (CTO), Hana Malhas (CFO), and Abdullah Moatasem (CCO), who bring backgrounds in AI, startups, tech firms, consulting, and creative industries. Financially, Sinai.ai completed a $1.45M pre-seed round led by KAUST Innovation Ventures and DisrupTech Ventures with participation from Maza Ventures, YOUXEL Ventures and angel investors, and plans to use the funds for technology development, AI infrastructure, user acquisition, and licensing.
- ClimateCrete
Participated · Series A · Dec 2023
ClimateCrete develops a process to convert previously unusable local sand into a sustainable new aggregate for concrete manufacturing. The product enables local concrete production with a much reduced carbon footprint. The company is delivering its first prototypes for concrete production to partners in Saudi Arabia. ClimateCrete aims to use recently raised funds to expand operations and broaden its business reach. The startup is based in Menlo Park, CA, and has positioned itself to serve large ongoing real estate and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia. It also announced the appointment of its first CEO, Peter Hadrovic.