Qualcomm is deepening its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem. The company has announced a new round of its “Design in Saudi Arabia with AI” program for 2026. The initiative will support up to ten high potential startups. It builds on the success of the first cohort and aligns with the Kingdom’s national innovation goals.Building on a Strong First CohortFocus on Advanced AI and Edge TechnologiesAccess to World Class Infrastructure and ExpertiseStrong Push for Patents and Industry LinksGrowing Talent Through University Engagement The program targets startups working in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and advanced wireless technologies. Qualcomm aims to help these companies move faster from idea to market ready product. Building on a Strong First Cohort The new round follows a successful launch in partnership with Aramco and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority. The first cohort showed strong momentum and technical depth. It also proved the value of hands on industry support. Qualcomm designed the program to do more than provide funding. It focuses on long term capability building and product quality. The program delivers support through: Deep technical guidance from experienced engineers Commercial mentorship and go to market planning Product design and optimization support Training in intellectual property protection This structure helps startups scale with confidence and clarity. Focus on Advanced AI and Edge Technologies Qualcomm places strong emphasis on applied AI. The program supports solutions built for real world use. These include mobile devices, edge computing, smart industries, and immersive technologies. Wassim Chourbaji, President of Qualcomm Middle East and Africa, stressed that startup empowerment remains a priority. He highlighted the importance of practical AI solutions that deliver impact at scale. Target areas include: On device and edge AI Smart communication systems Industrial IoT applications Augmented and mixed reality use cases Qualcomm wants startups to solve real problems using advanced platforms. Access to World Class Infrastructure and Expertise Selected startups will gain direct access to Qualcomm and Aramco engineers. They will also use the latest AI and communications platforms. The program operates through the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab. Key benefits include: Access to advanced testing infrastructure Early exposure to global technology standards Technical reviews and solution validation Support for market readiness This environment helps founders shorten development cycles and improve solution quality. Strong Push for Patents and Industry Links The 2026 round adds a sharper focus on intellectual property. Qualcomm wants startups to protect innovation early. The program will help teams register patents and structure IP strategies. It also aims to strengthen ties with local industries. Startups will gain new collaboration channels across technology and industrial sectors in the Kingdom. Future partnerships will depend on: Solution quality Market relevance Technical strength Scalability potential This approach ensures long term value creation. Growing Talent Through University Engagement Qualcomm also plans to expand collaboration with Saudi universities. The goal is to grow the local talent pool and support applied research. This effort will strengthen the pipeline of founders and engineers. The 2025 cohort already showed strong innovation energy. Qualcomm expects even stronger outcomes in 2026. The program now stands as a key platform for AI driven startup growth in Saudi Arabia.