Actual VC, 24SIX9, and AHOY, in partnership with the Municipality of Madinah Region, have launched Madinah Tech, the first municipal accelerator and urban innovation sandbox in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The initiative is designed to empower startups and innovators to test and deploy advanced technologies in a real-world urban environment, driving smarter public services and improving quality of life in Madinah. The program also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal to build sustainable smart cities.
The accelerator follows a three-stage model:
- Team-Idea Fit: validating the ideal team composition and idea viability
- Product-Market Fit: refining solutions to meet real market needs
- MVP & Execution: developing a prototype and securing funding to scale
Hosted in a dedicated space in Madinah, participants will benefit from:
- Access to advanced tech infrastructure
- Global expert mentorship
- Direct support from a wide investor network
- Strategic partnerships with institutions such as Stanford StartX, University of Cambridge, and NYU Tandon
Jamil Shinawi, CEO of AHOY, commented:
“Madinah Tech is a strategic step to change how startups are built and supported in the region. By combining local resources and global expertise, we’re creating fertile ground for innovation and empowerment. This partnership enables innovators to access capital, mentorship, and the infrastructure they need to succeed.”
The program is now open for applications from entrepreneurs, researchers, and technologists across the region working in:
- Smart Cities
- Urban Technology
- Sustainable Development
