Venture Craft

International Deep Tech Startup Competition

What 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

  1. 01

    Global Hub

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

  2. 02

    Talent

    Attract and nurture high-potential early-stage talent.

  3. 03

    Connection

    Bridge the gap between academia and industry.

  4. 04

    Pipeline

    Foster a robust and sustainable global startup pipeline.

  5. 05

    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.

Detailed Guidelines

Theme Pillars

The core strategic pillars of our mission

  • 01

    Decarbonization

    • Carbon Capture
    • Net-Zero Emissions
    • Hydrogen Tech
    • Renewable Energy

  • 02

    Circular Economy

    • Waste Reduction
    • Material Recycling
    • Resource Efficiency
    • Sustainable Lifecycle

  • 03

    Energy Efficiency

    • Industrial Optimization
    • Smart Grids
    • Power Management
    • Thermal Recovery

  • 04

    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

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

  • Decarbonization

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

  • Energy Storage

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

  • AI & Data for Energy

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

  • Industrial Innovation

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

  • Advanced Materials

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

  • 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.

  • KFUPM student founders working together on a deep tech project

    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 Research & Innovation mentor providing guidance in the lab

    Role: Expert Mentor

    Expert Mentor

    For industry experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs who want to shape the next generation of deep tech founders.

    Guide promising ventures at a critical stage. Your expertise can help a student founder build something that matters.

    • Join a curated panel of 50+ mentors
    • Lead workshops and 1:1 sessions
    • Evaluate and support shortlisted ventures
    • Connect with KFUPM and DTV innovation networks
    Become a Mentor!
  • Dhahran Techno Valley innovation and technology ecosystem

    Role: Partner & Sponsor

    Partner & Sponsor

    For companies and organizations committed to advancing deep tech innovation and the next generation of entrepreneurs.

    Gain visibility among 130+ countries of student founders, researchers, and institutional partners — all in one global platform.

    • Brand presence across all competition stages
    • Direct access to top-performing ventures
    • Co-branding with KFUPM and DTV
    • Contribute to meaningful deep tech impact
    Sponsor the Future!
  • KFUPM student ambassadors representing the university community

    Role: Student Ambassador

    Student Ambassador

    For students and early career professionals who want to represent Venture Craft in their university or community.

    Build leadership skills, expand your network, and help bring the Venture Craft opportunity to founders in your region.

    • Represent Venture Craft at your university
    • Run local outreach and awareness campaigns
    • Earn recognition and exclusive opportunities
    • Be part of a global ambassador community
    Join the Movement!