Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship Program

About

The Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship Program at KFUPM supports PhD graduates with early-stage hard-tech startups by providing financial resources, access to research infrastructure, and opportunities for collaboration within a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

Benefits

• 💰USD 48,000 annual salary — financial support for living expenses
• 💵USD 32,000 in milestone-based startup equity funding — funding disbursed according to startup progress
• 🏠Housing allowance equivalent to 3 months’ salary — additional financial support for housing
• 🏥Campus medical services — access to health services on campus
• 🚀Opportunity for follow-on investment — potential for further funding after the fellowship
• 🏗️ Access to specialized infrastructure — utilization of advanced research facilities

Eligibility Criteria

• Completed a PhD in science, engineering or business within the last three years
• Existing early stage hard-tech startup or actively developing a new venture
• Excellent academic and research record

Participation Commitments

• 24 months program duration — typical duration with possible extension up to 48 months
• Manage time equally between research center and DTV’s venture builder — balanced commitment to both research and startup
• Collaborate with other KFUPM researchers — encouraged collaboration to support venture development

Target Region

Saudi Arabia

Target Sector

Hard-tech startups and innovation