Pre-registration is open ahead of Race 2027 (Q1 2027). Register your interest in The Qualifying Races or The Championship Races.
Apply
Apply to The Innovation Races.
There are two ways in. Start in The Qualifying Races at any time, virtual and self-paced, or apply directly to The Championship Races, Race 2027, if you are already at TRL 7 or above.
Pre-registration is open now, ahead of Race 2027 (Q1 2027). Tell us which race interests you and we will be in touch as places open.
Pre-register your interest
Applications are not open yet. Pre-register now and we will contact you as places open for your race.
Two ways in
The Qualifying Races, TRL 4-6.
Virtual, self-paced and free to enter. Progress at your own pace toward a verified TRL 6. Graduates earn grant support (details to be announced) and automatic entry to the Championship Races Qualifier Event.
The Championship Races, TRL 7-9.
An annual, time-boxed cohort. Enter directly at TRL 7 or arrive as a Qualifying Races graduate. At the Qualifier Event, up to 40 teams compete for 10 finalist places.
Which race is right for you?
Both races are built for deep tech ventures with a credible scientific or engineering foundation, based in or committed to Saudi Arabia. The difference is maturity.
Start in The Qualifying Races if
- Your venture is grounded in original research, proprietary technology, or advanced engineering, around TRL 4-6
- You are pre-product or pre-revenue and still maturing the technology
- You want objective, verified progress before committing to a time-boxed cohort
Apply directly to The Championship Races if
- Your technology is at roughly TRL 7 or above, demonstrated, and approaching deployment
- You have a technical co-founder or research lead, and are pre-Series A
- You are ready for an intensive, time-boxed build toward investment
If you are uncertain, start in The Qualifying Races. Every applicant receives a score and written feedback.
What happens after you apply
The process is straightforward, and every step is transparent.
01
Assessment
Every application is assessed before any human review, scoring your venture and placing you in the right race.
02
Fountech Labs review
Applications are reviewed by the programme team against what the assessment surfaces.
03
The Qualifying Races (TRL 4-6)
If you are maturing toward TRL 6, you progress virtually and at your own pace, with each step verified.
04
The Qualifier Event
A two-day in-person competitive event in Saudi Arabia. Qualifying Races graduates join direct entrants; up to 40 teams compete for 10 finalist places.
05
The Championship Races build
Finalists join Race 2027 for an intensive, team-specific build across roughly six months, combining in-person competitive events, mentor input and real-world challenges. Full structure is shared with finalists.
06
The backing decision
Investment is the conclusion of the build, drawn from each team's full tracked record.
What accepted teams receive
In The Qualifying Races
- Partner-funded assessment, with verified progression toward TRL 6
- Written reports at every step, yours to keep
- On graduation: grant support (details to be announced) and automatic entry to the Qualifier Event
- Permanent membership of the TIR Founder Network
In The Championship Races
- A team-specific venture build over roughly six months
- Mentor input and real-world challenges throughout
- Assessment scores and written reports at every checkpoint, yours to keep
- For the highest performers: earned investment, with terms to be announced
- Permanent membership of the TIR Founder Network
Investment is earned through performance, not guaranteed at acceptance. The Qualifying Races award grants, not investment.
What we ask of you
Time.
The Qualifying Races are self-paced. The Championship Races run across roughly six months, with in-person events in Saudi Arabia and continuous work between them, including a weekly progress update.
Openness.
The assessment works best when your inputs are accurate. The more honest you are about where your venture stands, the more useful it is.
Commitment.
The Championship Races are intensive by design. We work with founders building something they believe in.
Programme FAQ
What is the difference between the two races?
The Qualifying Races are virtual, self-paced and open to ventures at TRL 4-6. The Championship Races are an annual, time-boxed cohort for ventures at TRL 7-9. Qualifying Races graduates earn automatic entry to the Championship Races Qualifier Event.
Is The Qualifying Races free?
Yes. It is free to enter, and assessment access is funded by Partners.
Do I need to be incorporated to apply?
No. Research teams and pre-incorporation founding teams can apply.
Can I apply as an active researcher or university team?
Yes. Research teams from KAUST, KACST, KFUPM and other Saudi institutions are welcome.
Do I need to be based in Riyadh?
No. We welcome teams from across the Kingdom; the Championship Races include in-person elements in Saudi Arabia.
The Championship Races. Race 2027. Q1 2027.
Ready when you are.
Questions before you apply? Talk to the team.