The LEAP 2026 technology conference concluded its fifth edition in Riyadh following four days of commercial agreements, startup pitches, and international networking. Organizers awarded 1 million dollars across seven startup prizes during the final Rocket Fuel competition on September 3, 2026.
The event drew 1,323 speakers and 1,397 investors representing 1,027 firms across 72 countries, managing a collective 18.3 trillion dollars in assets. More than 1,500 exhibitors participated in the conference, including over 750 global companies.
Rocket Fuel Competition Winners
The Rocket Fuel Finale featured 10 startup finalists selected from a cohort of 100 semi-finalists across 25 countries. Finalists presented their projects live on stage to secure capital from the prize pool.
Cameroon-based digital health firm Waspito secured the 250,000-dollar main prize. The company connects healthcare payers, providers, and patients through digital consultations and administrative tools in health systems.
Six additional category prizes were awarded during the ceremony:
- Imagine Devices received the 150,000-dollar Shooting Star Award.
- Ferveret secured the 150,000-dollar Scaling Star Award.
- SarsatX won the 150,000-dollar Into New Worlds Award.
- Melt Water earned the 150,000-dollar Tech for Humanity Award.
- Carevision claimed the 100,000-dollar Landing Award.
- Kanz received the 50,000-dollar Founder Award chosen by the audience.
Strategic Partnerships at LEAP 2026
Opening announcements at LEAP 2026 included over 15 billion dollars in technology investments and commercial partnerships. Agreements focused on digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and advanced research initiatives across Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology signed a 104-million-dollar memorandum of understanding with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Nourah Cloud, and SeeCubic AIMAGINEX KSA to establish AIMAGINEX, a center dedicated to applied media and artificial intelligence.
Digital Infrastructure and Institutional Support
The judging panel for the startup finale included representatives from Partners for Growth, Ra’ed Ventures, Startup Genome, and HUMAIN. Jurors evaluated participants based on scalability, social impact, business traction, and team capability.
“What stands out to me after five years of LEAP is how it has evolved from a major technology gathering into a platform that connects ambitious founders from around the world with real opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the region.”
Talal Alasmari, Founding Partner at Ra’ed Ventures
Future Outlook for Sixth Edition
Event organizers announced that preparations for the 2027 event are underway, with 653 applications already submitted for the upcoming startup cohort.
The conference program continues to connect international technology businesses with regional capital, expanding partnerships across education and enterprise sectors.
