Apply now for KFUPM Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship 2025 in Saudi Arabia with funding, R&D access, and startup incubation for global innovators.
About the Scholarship
The Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) is a prestigious program designed to transform cutting-edge research into scalable, high-impact startups. This opportunity is open to international and domestic candidates with a PhD in Science, Engineering, or Business.
Country: Saudi Arabia
University: King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)
Status: Open for both international and domestic students
IELTS Requirement: Required (or equivalent English proficiency)
Duration: 1–2 years, depending on research and startup development plan
Deadline: Not specified in the advertisement (apply early)
Admission Announcement Date
Applications are open for the 2025 intake as per KFUPM’s latest call for proposals under the Dhahran Techno Valley Holding Company (DTVC) initiative.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the KFUPM Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following:
Hold a PhD in Science, Engineering, or Business.
Have an early-stage deep tech startup with commercialization potential.
Present a well-defined business plan aligned with research outcomes.
Demonstrate a strong academic and research track record.
Secure an accepted R&D proposal by a KFUPM Innovation & Research Committee (IRC).
Programs Offered in KFUPM Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship 2025
The fellowship supports deep tech research and commercialization in various fields, including but not limited to:
Engineering innovations
Energy solutions and sustainability
Advanced materials and nanotechnology
Artificial Intelligence and data science applications
Industrial automation and robotics
Environmental and water technologies
Benefits & Compensation
Successful fellows will receive:
USD 32,000 milestone-based startup equity funding.
Opportunities for follow-on investment.
Startup incubation and access to KFUPM’s innovation ecosystem.
Access to state-of-the-art R&D resources.
Campus medical services.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Application Procedure
Prepare your R&D proposal as per KFUPM guidelines.
Develop a comprehensive business plan for your startup idea.
Gather all required documents (see below).
Submit your application via the KFUPM fellowship portal or the link provided in the advertisement.
Wait for IRC evaluation and funding approval.
Required Documents
Updated CV/Resume.
Certified PhD degree and transcripts.
Business plan document.
R&D proposal approved by KFUPM IRC.
Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent).
Passport copy and personal identification.
How to Apply
You can apply by scanning the QR code in the official fellowship advertisement or visiting the KFUPM Fellowship
Last Date to Apply
The official deadline is not explicitly stated; applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure their evaluation slot.
The KFUPM Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship 2025 in Saudi Arabia is a fully funded program that supports PhD graduates in Science, Engineering, or Business to transform research into market-ready startups. Offered by King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) in partnership with Dhahran Techno Valley Holding Company (DTVC), it provides USD 32,000 equity-based funding, startup incubation, access to advanced R&D facilities, and potential follow-on investment. Open to international and domestic researchers, the fellowship focuses on deep tech innovations in fields like AI, energy, sustainability, advanced materials, robotics, and environmental solutions. Applicants must have an early-stage startup, a solid business plan, and an approved R&D proposal.