Qualcomm, Aramco, RDIA select six startups for DISAI
AI, 5G, and edge computing at heart of new DISAI startup cohort
#SaudiArabia #AIStartups – Qualcomm, Aramco, and Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) have selected six early-stage startups for the first Design in Saudi Arabia with AI (DISAI) accelerator program. Announced at LEAP 2025, the initiative aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s tech innovation ecosystem by guiding startups through product design, IP development, and commercialization. The startups focus on high-impact applications in AI, edge computing, wireless, and IoT, with solutions spanning industrial automation, healthcare, and sustainability.
SO WHAT? – DISAI is part of a broader national push to turn Saudi Arabia into a regional deep tech powerhouse. By aligning industry leaders like Qualcomm and Aramco with early-stage innovators, the Kingdom is not just supporting local entrepreneurship, it’s laying the groundwork for homegrown IP, digital exports, and high-value job creation across frontier technologies.
Here are some key points about DISAI and the first cohort of startups:
Qualcomm Technologies via its subsidiary Qualcomm Technologies, Aramco via its subsidiary Aramco Overseas Company, and Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) have announced six early-stage startups for the first Design in Saudi Arabia with AI (DISAI) accelerator programme.
The six startups are tackling key sectors such as energy, healthcare, sustainability, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
DISAI’s incubation period will run from April to November 2025, ending in a final demo event for potential partners and investors.
Startups will receive technical mentorship, patent training, and guidance from Qualcomm and Aramco experts.
Qualcomm extended the initial five-startup plan to six due to the high calibre of applicants.
The six selected startups, listed alphabetically, are:
Agile Loop: AI-driven integration of user and enterprise workflows with IoT devices using agentic edge AI.
Manyface: Predictive maintenance, sensor monitoring, and processing for oil and gas wells using edge AI.
Mobisense: Real-time speech-to-text transcription and LLM-based summarization, categorization, and responsiveness embedded in 5G networks, ensuring data privacy.
Orbital Universe: Carbon sequestration monitoring in Saudi Arabian mangrove plantations using edge AI, IoT sensors, and space imaging data.
Pix Convey: Modular AGV chassis with intelligent map-less navigation for diverse applications, including passenger transportation and logistics.
Thakaa Med: Advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions using edge AI to enhance workflows and optimize operations for healthcare institutions.
Qualcomm contributes edge AI, 5G, and wireless expertise, while Aramco shares access to its industrial networks and innovation labs.
RDIA provides strategic guidance and ecosystem infrastructure, in line with its national innovation mandate.
The program includes access to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and Dragonwing platforms, and IP workshops to support patent filings.
DISAI supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals by promoting economic diversification, digital transformation, and local talent development.
ZOOM OUT – Saudi Arabia is building the region’s most ambitious deep tech ecosystem, with over $100 million raised by local startups since 2020 and a national strategy anchored in AI, IoT, semiconductors, and advanced computing. Backed by institutions like KAUST, MCIT, RDIA and the Ministry of Investment, the Kingdom has launched venture studios, startup accelerators, and R&D hubs to drive progress across five core pillars: ecosystem development, infrastructure, talent, investment, and government incentives.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]