In a bold step toward redefining the future of healthcare innovation, the vice minister of health for planning and development, Eng. Abdulaziz Al Rumaih, has launched its first-ever Biotech Accelerator, in collaboration with leading global incubator BioLabs, during the prestigious BIO International Convention in Boston. This pioneering initiative is designed to unlock the potential of Saudi biotech startups, foster global collaboration, and elevate healthcare quality, perfectly aligned with Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's National Biotechnology Strategy, which aspires to create a vibrant society and a thriving, innovation-driven economy.
The launch event brought together top industry leaders, including Dr. Hisham Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Dr. Majid Al Fayyadh, CEO of King Faisal Specialist Hospital, and Jordi Naval, Head of Biotech at NEOM.
Eight cutting-edge Saudi startups were selected for the first cohort, each tackling major challenges in biotechnology: Plansulin is developing plant-based insulin, cellNUA offers nanotherapies derived from bees, SAGEbio focuses on next-generation vaccines, while Novo Genomics advances precision diagnostics. MammoStem explores regenerative medicine, NanoPalm targets genetic disorders, KaRama Bio specializes in early disease detection, and PhageTech combats antibiotic resistance.
Spanning seven months, the accelerator offers world-class training, tailored support, and access to advanced research labs, making it the first biotechnology accelerator in Saudi Arabia and the first BioLabs program in the Middle East.
By empowering national talent and nurturing innovation, the Ministry of Health is positioning Saudi Arabia as a rising global powerhouse in biotechnology and life sciences.