Accelerator

stc InspireU

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A telecom corporate accelerator that has supported 90+ ventures since 2017 with a combined valuation over SAR 12B.

Location:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Duration:
13 weeks

What you need to qualify

  • Early stage startup, for the general programme. That is the only track entered through an application: stc marks it "through application".
  • The advanced programme, for more mature startups and the track that offers funding and expert consultation, is by invitation only and cannot be applied to.
  • ICT or digital innovation focus. inspireU describes itself as the Kingdom first accelerator for ICT and digital innovation.
  • Startups from outside the GCC are eligible: stc says startups from around the world have used the programmes as a launchpad into Saudi Arabia.

Eligibility

Eligible stages
All stages
Countries
Global, subject to the provider’s eligibility and approval

How to apply

  1. 1

    Read the programme page and pick the right track

    stc publishes both tracks on the inspireU apply-now page with their durations, and marks which one takes applications. www.stc.com/en/inspire-u.html redirects to this page.

  2. 2

    Create an account on the inspireU portal

    The apply now button leads to inspireu.ncubex.com, a separate portal that lands on a sign-in screen. No form is visible until you create an account, and there is no application form on stc.com itself.

  3. 3

    Submit an application to the general programme

    The three month general programme is the applicable track. The six month advanced programme is entered by invitation, so it cannot be applied for directly.

Frequently asked

An accelerator launched by stc group in 2015, described by stc as the Kingdom first accelerator for ICT and digital innovation. It has supported over 130 startups.

The general programme, a three month programme for early stage startups offering mentorship, access to the inspireU academy, exposure and grants. The six month advanced programme for more mature startups, which offers funding and tailored consultation from subject matter experts, is by invitation only.

Through the inspireU portal at inspireu.ncubex.com, linked as apply now from the programme page. The portal requires you to create an account before any form is shown, so the sign-up is a real first step.

stc lists access to the stc ecosystem and its partners, potential collaboration with stc, local and international exposure, grants or investments, advisory and mentorship, the inspireU academy, logistic support and office spaces. No grant figure or equity stake is published.

stc publishes no deadline or cohort dates. The portal shows an early access banner for the acceleration programmes, but the window itself is not published, so check the portal before planning around a date.
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Related programs

We have not been able to confirm a deadline for this one. Check the official page before you start.

Do I qualify?

2 things decide this one. Check yourself against them before you spend time on the form.

Stage
Seed, Series A+
Where it runs
Saudi Arabia. In person, so you need to be able to take part there
What you give up
No equity stated
Deadline
Not confirmed. Check the official page

That is the rulebook. What we cannot show you here is whether your startup clears it, how this ranks against the other programs you qualify for, and what to fix if you do not.

Check what I qualify for

Five questions, about a minute, no account needed.

Last verified against the official page. Report an error

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