Feb 11, 2026

Deep-Tech Ventures Move from Validation to Industry Pilots

KFUPM’s DTV hosted Energy Ventures Deal Day on February 2nd, 2026, the final milestone of a four-month venture validation and building phase designed to prepare selected deep-tech startups for real-world deployment.

The program was built on an earlier bootcamp several months ago, concentrating on execution rather than exploration. Nine ventures advanced into the final phase, each working toward defined product and business objectives aligned with industry requirements. The ventures took part in eight targeted workshops, alongside more than 200 hours of business coaching and over 200 hours of technical training. The emphasis throughout was practical readiness, with founders expected to develop solutions ready to be deployed within the realities of the energy sector.

A defining element of the program’s conclusion was direct engagement with key industry partners. The event was designed to create a clear progression from lab to field to fund by bringing ventures face to face with energy sector decision makers in a single, focused setting. On the event day, the deep tech startups pitched their solutions to representatives from seven energy companies, several of which put forward commitments to run high value pilot tests in real field environments.

These industry commitments played a second role. Fifteen investors followed the process closely, using company decisions as validation signals that informed interest in funding. The result was a setting where technical credibility, market demand, and capital considerations converged in real time.

Energy Ventures Deal Day also extended beyond the pitch room. An accompanying exhibition brought together the nine ventures with 11 other startups incubated at DTV. Among them were three companies founded by KFUPM graduates of the Roshn Visionaries Program. Together, the exhibition reflected the breadth of ventures currently progressing through the university’s innovation ecosystem.