Oct 09, 2025

Champion Innovation through Deep-Tech Ventures Bootcamp

KFUPM, through Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) recently completed the 2025 Deep-Tech Ventures Program Bootcamp, in collaboration with ROSHN Group, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company. The bootcamp began on September 15 and concluded on October 6, 2025.

The bootcamp gathered 27 shortlisted projects from KFUPM faculty and students. In its first week, participants joined ROSHN-led workshops on business and product development to prepare for the Deep-Tech Demo Day. The ROSHNEXT program covered three core areas: Business Modelling, teaching market-ready solution design; Proof of Concept Roadmap, guiding implementation and presentation planning; and Pitch Training, helping participants craft persuasive ten-slide presentations.

The participating teams presented a wide range of applications in sectors such as energy, renewables, digitalization, water, and sustainability. The technologies explored during the bootcamp covered chemicals and advanced materials, artificial intelligence, industrial IoT and smart sensors, robotics and UAVs, and the circular economy.

At the conclusion of the bootcamp, a competition was held to select the ten most promising ventures. These teams earned a place in DTV’s four-month venture-building program, where they will receive up to SAR 200,000 in funding, co-development support for both product and business activities, comprehensive mentoring, and access to market networks.

The top ten selected ventures were diverse in focus and approach:

1. Math-Data Fusion Solutions delivers advanced algorithms for predictive modeling and data analytics, improving reservoir history matching for oil and gas operators.
2. EM4NM develops an epoxy resin system that enables faster and more energy-efficient manufacturing using electromagnetic induction.
3. BIOENERGY ARABIA converts waste cooking oil into affordable, high-quality biodiesel.
4. Oil Spill Cleanup designs a chemical solution that prevents the spread of oil spills and simplifies collection.
5. ChemSust creates bio-based materials from chitosan and seaweed for use in corrosion inhibition and enhanced oil recovery.
6. Sustain applies guided waves EMAT sensors to detect internal pipeline coating defects externally, reducing inspection costs.
7. Econella produces a bio-additive from agricultural waste that improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
8. Neo Sorb develops a green solid sorbent for effective carbon capture and clean energy applications.
9. Net Zero Systems uses artificial intelligence to combine data from drones, aircraft, and ground sensors for precise methane leak detection.
10. Produced Water in Oil and Gas employs phosphate-based additives to strengthen weak rocks, limit water production, and enhance oilfield cement performance.

DTV continues to play a central role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship within the Kingdom. As KFUPM’s integrated innovation ecosystem, it provides researchers and entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance needed to transform scientific discoveries into viable ventures. This commitment is further reinforced by KFUPM’s 0-0-0 policy (0% Royalty, 0% Administrative Fees, and 0% Ownership retention) which ensures that innovators retain full control of their intellectual property and financial outcomes.