The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially unveiled The Garage on Monday, the Middle East's largest startup district situated in Riyadh's King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. This 28,000 square meter facility, which was previously a parking area, has been transformed into a thriving hub for startups.
Impressive Infrastructure
The Garage boasts 24 modern meeting rooms, an expansive event space accommodating over 1,000 individuals, and workshop areas. It currently houses more than 300 startup companies, offering a diverse range of programs, including 'ACCESS,' 'The Garage Plus,' 'The Garage Incubator,' 'GAIA Startup Accelerator,' 'MVP Lab,' 'Antler,' and 'MVP Lab.'
Achievements and Milestones
Through ten program cycles, The Garage has seen more than 230 startups graduate and provided support to 450 founders from over 50 countries. These startups have collectively generated over SR24.5 million (approximately $6.5 million) in revenue and secured investments exceeding SR215 million (approximately $57.3 million). They have also gained valuable insights and skills through various training programs.
Hub of Activity
The Garage has played host to over 40 events, bringing together 150 local and international startups. These gatherings have attracted more than 3,500 attendees, including industry experts, investors, partners, and innovative entrepreneurs. Initially showcased at the first LEAP conference in 2022, The Garage has since become the primary center for startups, nurturing Saudi and international ventures.
Collaboration and Inspiration
The Garage project was a collaborative effort involving King Abdulaziz University for Sciences and Technology, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, and the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security and Programming. It takes inspiration from the garage spaces that played a crucial role in the beginnings of tech giants such as Google, Apple, Amazon, and others.
Open for Innovation
The Garage has opened its doors to founders interested in joining its vibrant community and tapping into an ecosystem filled with partners and innovators. It represents Saudi Arabia's commitment to nurturing and supporting startups, contributing to the region's growing entrepreneurial landscape.