Saudi Arabia Launches “Sunbulah”, Its First Food Tech Incubator to Mobilise Startups

Editorial Team

Last updated 20-03-2025

2 min

Saudi Arabia launches "Sanbulah," a food tech incubator, to support early-stage local startups.

The programme provides funding, mentoring, and training for pre-seed to pre-MVP phase companies.

Sanbulah supports Saudi economic diversification and believes in food tech's potential for growth.

Entrepreneurs have until 6 April 2025 to apply via the Ministry's online portal.

This initiative offers startups a chance to take food tech innovations from concept to market.

It's no secret that breaking into the world of food tech isn't exactly a piece of cake. But for Saudi entrepreneurs with big ideas in the sector, a fresh chance has just sprung up. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Saudi Arabia has just announced the launch of the “Sunbulah” programme—Saudi Arabia’s first specialised food technology incubator—to help early-stage startups turn bold ideas into real-world innovations.

Sunbulah is specifically aimed at local startups still in their earliest days—from those at the pre-seed stage up to developing their minimum viable product (often called the pre-MVP phase). The programme offers a hearty mix of practical help including much-needed funding, top-tier mentoring, and specialised training sessions that aim to equip new enterprises with everything they need to thrive.

With Saudi Arabia actively pushing to diversify its economy, initiatives like Subulah are key pieces of the puzzle. The Ministry’s backing demonstrates the government's faith in food tech's importance to the nation’s economic growth and sustainability goals.

But let's not kid ourselves—coming up with breakthroughs in food technology isn't always easy as pie. Recognising this, Sanbulah’s approach is designed to foster an innovative and supportive environment where bright ideas can be sown, nurtured, and eventually harvested as successful, sustainable companies.

Entrepreneurs interested in signing up better get their skates on; the application window closes on 6 April 2025. To be part of this exciting opportunity, applicants can submit their interest online via the Ministry's dedicated web portal.

The food tech sector holds tremendous promise, and through initiatives like this, Saudi Arabia’s emerging businesses stand a better chance than ever at taking their vision from mere concept to market-ready reality. And who knows—perhaps the next big innovation to shake up our dinnertime routines could soon be coming straight out of a Sanbulah-backed startup. Keep your eyes peeled, fellow Arageek readers—it certainly looks promising.

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