Venture Craft
100K COMPETITION
An international deep tech startup competition by KFUPM in collaboration with DTV, supporting student-led ventures building science and technology based solutions with global impact.
- $245K Prize Pool
- $100K Grand Prize
- 130+ Countries
- 50+ Mentors & Experts
- 7 Competition Phases
Global Exposure
In Collaboration With
Prizes & Awards
Rewarding excellence in deep tech innovation and sustainable solutions.
Total Prize Pool
$245K
$100K Grand Prize for the most impactful deep tech venture
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1st
Grand Prize
$100K
Awarded to the venture with the strongest scientific foundation, market potential, and global impact.
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2nd
Second Place
$60K
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3rd
Third Place
$40K
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Corporate Special Awards
Corporate Special Award
$15,000
Per Award (X3)
Awarded for outstanding innovation in sustainability, energy transition, and deep tech alignment.
Additional Benefits
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Mentorship
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Travel Support
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Visibility
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Networking
Competition Theme
2026 Theme
Each year, Venture Craft unites the world’s most ambitious founders under a singular global challenge. This year, we focus on the frontier of Sustainable Energy, accelerating deep-tech solutions that power the future responsibly.
Sustainable Energy
Click a pillar to explore strategic focus areas
Decarbonization Technologies
Theme Focus
- Carbon Capture
- Net-Zero Emissions
- Hydrogen Tech
- Renewable Energy
Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency
Theme Focus
- Waste Reduction
- Material Recycling
- Resource Efficiency
- Sustainable Lifecycle
Energy Efficiency
Theme Focus
- Industrial Optimization
- Smart Grids
- Power Management
- Thermal Recovery
Process Optimization & Advanced Engineering
Theme Focus
- Advanced Engineering
- Digital Twins
- AI-Driven Industry
- Automation
Timeline
Seven Phases.One Destination.
Every phase is designed to push your venture further, from first submission to the global stage.
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Current Phase · 01 of 07 Phases
Idea Submission
Launch your journey. Submit your initial concept for review by our technical committee.
Submit your venture application online.
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Current Phase · 02 of 07 Phases
Screening (Round 1 and 2)
Expert technical and business validation. Top innovators advance to the next stage of the competition.
Await review results from the evaluation committee.
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Current Phase · 03 of 07 Phases
Finalist Confirmation
Confirmed finalists receive their advancement notice and prepare for the next stage.
Confirm your participation and submit requested details.
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Current Phase · 04 of 07 Phases
Online Bootcamp
A virtual deep dive into startup fundamentals, IP strategy, and go-to-market planning.
Attend workshops, connect with mentors, refine your pitch.
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Current Phase · 05 of 07 Phases
Finalist Notification and Travel
Selected teams receive travel coordination details for the in person acceleration program.
Prepare your travel visa documents and final presentation.
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Current Phase · 06 of 07 Phases
In Person Acceleration
Hands on mentoring and site visits to stress test your solution in a real world ecosystem.
Iterate, refine, and prepare for Demo Day.
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Current Phase · 07 of 07 Phases
Final Competition
Pitch your venture to global investors and energy leaders for the grand prize and partnership deals.
Deliver your final pitch and compete for funding.
Our Vision
Empowering the next generation of deep tech innovators.
Venture Craft exists to turn bold student ideas into global impact, connecting talent, research, and industry through one competition.
Learn more about Venture Craft
Objectives
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01
Global Hub
Establish KFUPM & DTV as a leading Global Deep Tech Hub.
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02
Talent
Attract and nurture high-potential early-stage talent.
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03
Connection
Bridge the gap between academia and industry.
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04
Pipeline
Foster a robust and sustainable global startup pipeline.
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05
Impact
Enable measurable global impact through innovation.
FOLLOW THEVENTURE CRAFT JOURNEY
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Idea Submission
Announcing Soon
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Screening
Announcing Soon
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Online Bootcamp
Announcing Soon
Online
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In Person Acceleration
Announcing Soon
In person
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Final Competition
Announcing Soon
Find your role in the journey
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Startup Founder
Register to Compete! -
Expert Mentor
Become a Mentor! -
Partner & Sponsor
Sponsor the Future! -
Student Ambassador
Join the Movement!