Nov 23, 2025
From Zero: Where Startups Began Their Story
The “From Zero” brought an unforgettable surge of entrepreneurial energy to KFUPM on November 22, 2025, as more than 2,000 visitors filled the campus to learn, connect, and experience the reality of building startups. Organized entirely by KFUPM students from Tech-Hub—an initiative of the Engineering Localization Association affiliated with the College of Mathematics and Computing—the event captured the spirit of curiosity and ambition that drives young innovators forward.
Throughout the day, attendees listened to fireside chats where founders shared the stories behind their earliest ideas, the turning points that shaped their companies, and the reasons some concepts thrived while others faded. Speakers opened up about team-building challenges, co-founder chemistry, the struggle to hire the right first employee, and the internal clashes that tested their resilience. They also walked the audience through the financial realities of the startup world, securing first funding, avoiding critical investor mistakes, and confronting cash-flow issues that rarely make it into formal lectures. Many of the stories were deeply personal, revealing the emotional pressure, sleepless decision-making, and moments of near-failure that ultimately fueled their persistence.
The conversations also looked at growth from a wider lens. Founders described the shift from small teams to fast-growing companies, the chaos of hypergrowth, and technical decisions that unexpectedly changed their trajectory. They shared anecdotes about early product versions that barely worked, the MVPs that convinced their first users, and the technical misfires that nearly cost them everything. Several speakers highlighted how their work contributed to job creation, economic activity, and the broader transformation aligned with Vision 2030, showing how ideas born on campus can ripple into national impact.
Alongside the talks, the exhibition created a lively atmosphere where students and entrepreneurship enthusiasts connected with startups, supporting organizations, and each other. The venue buzzed with live pitch simulations, real-time feedback from founders and investors, co-founder matchmaking activities, and a space where companies showcased their products and met future talent.
The event drew major names from the region’s startup scene, including the co-founders of Mrsool, Floward, and the founder of Tamra Capital, each bringing insights that resonated strongly with the audience.
Above all, From Zero stood as a proud moment for KFUPM. The entire experience was planned and executed by students, reflecting the university’s belief that leadership, initiative, and self-reliance grow when young people are trusted with meaningful responsibility. It also highlighted two of KFUPM’s Seven Habits—self-reliance and entrepreneurship—which the university instills in all its students. The event became a reminder that these values extend far beyond the classroom, and that KFUPM students are fully capable of creating experiences that inspire an entire community.
