3 Saudi Startups Reach London Business School Final

Three Saudi startups have reached the final of the 2026 London Business School MENA Startup Competition, highlighting the growing strength of the Kingdom's entrepreneurial scene. The final was scheduled for 14 October 2026 in Dubai, with a total non-dilutive prize pool of US$45,000.

The qualifying companies are NSBH, SDM and UpSkillMe, each tackling a different challenge across finance, healthcare and workforce development.

The Three Finalists

NSBH is building trade-credit infrastructure designed for Saudi small and medium-sized enterprises, aiming to make financing more accessible for smaller businesses that form a key part of the national economy.

SDM is a health-AI startup focused on the early detection and prediction of chronic diseases, applying technology to help identify health risks sooner.

UpSkillMe offers guided learning, assessed certification and a labour marketplace tailored to blue-collar workers, connecting training directly with employment opportunities.

The non-dilutive prize pool means winning teams keep full ownership of their companies, receiving funding without giving up equity. For the local community, the recognition reflects how Saudi founders are competing on an international stage and building solutions with real impact on businesses, health and employment across the region.

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