As part of its strategy to diversify its economy, Saudi Arabia has set aside $6.4 billion to invest in future technologies, according to minister of communications and information technology Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha.
Speaking at the LEAP 2022 forum in Riyadh, Al-Swaha revealed the contribution of private companies who have invested in the sector.
Saudi Aramco has invested $1 billion in developing start-ups, through entrepreneurship support fund Prosperity7 Ventures.
NEOM Tech & Digital Holding Company contributed $1billion in future technologies and the launch of M3LD and XVRS products.
Ignite has pumped $1 billion in quality funds and initiatives to support and stimulate digital content.
STC has invested $1 billion in Mena Hub, which seeks investments in the digital infrastructure to consolidate Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for connectivity, communication and cloud computing.
J&T Express, and eWTP Arabia Capital have contributed $2 billion in the smart logistics sector in the region.
In addition there was also more than $300 million of investments in digital entrepreneurship, venture capital and startup funds.
The minister encouraged and praised the Kingdom’s start-up ‘unicorns’ firms, which have gone on to achieve a market value of at least $1 billion.
He said that of the six unicorns’ companies in the past two years, two are from Saudi Arabia: stc pay and Jahez.