International Deep Tech Startup CompetitionWhat is Venture Craft?

Venture Craft is KFUPM's premier international deep tech startup competition, designed to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators. With a focus on sustainability and cutting edge technology, we bring together talented students, researchers, and recent graduates from around the world to transform bold ideas into impactful solutions.

Through a comprehensive program of mentorship, resources, and global exposure, Venture Craft provides participants with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive landscape of deep tech entrepreneurship. Join us and Build Your Venture.

Objectives

Empowering the next generation of deep tech innovators

Global Hub

Establish KFUPM & DTV as a leading Global Deep Tech Hub.

Talent

Attract and nurture high potential early stage talent.

Connection

Bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Pipeline

Foster a robust and sustainable global startup pipeline.

Impact

Enable measurable global impact through innovation.

Target Audience

Open to innovators and visionaries at all stages of their academic and professional journey.

Bachelor's Students & Recent Graduates

Current Bachelor's students or STEM graduates within their first 5 years post-graduation.

Researchers & Postdocs

Post-doctoral researchers and assistants with tangible prototypes or new methods.

Early-Career R&D

Technical professionals in labs or startups with up to 5 years of experience.

Academic Spinouts

Graduate students or researchers ready to commercialize lab validated research.

Theme Pillars

Tap card to cycle

DECARBONIZATION

Carbon Capture
Net-Zero Emissions
Hydrogen Tech
Renewable Energy

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Waste Reduction
Material Recycling
Resource Efficiency
Sustainable Lifecycle

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Industrial Optimization
Smart Grids
Power Management
Thermal Recovery

PROCESS OPTIMIZATION

Advanced Engineering
Digital Twins
AI-Driven Industry
Automation
2026 Theme: Sustainable Energy

Deep Tech Focus Areas

Ideal venture areas may include the following deep tech and sustainable energy tracks:

Sustainable energy research inside a DTV lab

Sustainable Energy

Ventures developing renewable energy solutions, solar technology, wind power systems, and sustainable fuel alternatives for a carbon-neutral future.

KFUPM Esteedamah solar car team, a decarbonization and clean-tech venture

Decarbonization

Technologies and systems aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions across industrial, transportation, and energy production sectors.

Energy storage research facility at Dhahran

Energy Storage

Advanced battery technologies, grid-scale storage systems, and novel materials enabling reliable, large-scale energy storage.

KFUPM Research & Innovation team working with robotics and data systems

AI & Data for Energy

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics applications that optimize energy systems, predict demand, and reduce waste.

Industrial innovation and research park infrastructure at KFUPM

Industrial Innovation

Process innovation, smart manufacturing, and industrial efficiency technologies that reduce environmental footprint at scale.

Advanced materials development lab at DTV

Advanced Materials

Next-generation materials science covering metamaterials, composites, and nanomaterials to enable breakthrough applications in energy and industry.

DTV robotics and drone research and development

Robotics & Automation

Robotic systems and intelligent automation for inspection, maintenance, and operations in energy-intensive or hazardous environments.

Get Involved

Venture Craft is built by a community. Find your role in the journey.

Role: Startup Founder

Startup Founder

For student led ventures building science and technology solutions with global impact.

Access a $245K prize pool, world class mentorship, and a direct path from research to market — powered by KFUPM and DTV.

  • Submit your deep tech startup idea
  • Receive structured mentorship and feedback
  • Pitch to an international panel of judges
  • Compete for $100K Grand Prize
Register to Compete!
KFUPM student founders working together on a deep tech project