Session Duration

Session Name

Session Brief

18:00 - 18:20

Financing the Future: How Industrial Development Fuels Vision 2030

This session highlights the pivotal role of industrial financing in accelerating Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. Sultan, CEO of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), will share how SIDF empowers companies across sectors with capital, strategy, and innovation support to achieve Vision 2030 goals. The discussion will also explore how industrial development creates jobs, boosts competitiveness, and positions Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced industries

18:25 - 18:45

From Homeless to Entrepreneur: Simon Squibb on Giving Back and Building Startups

Simon Squibb’s journey from living on the streets to becoming a successful entrepreneur and angel investor is a powerful story of resilience, innovation, and generosity. In this session, Simon shares how adversity shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, why giving back is central to building sustainable businesses, and what it truly takes to scale startups with purpose. This session offers inspiration and practical lessons for founders who want to turn challenges into opportunities and success into impact.

18:50 - 19:05

Smart Vision: Harnessing Nanophotonics and AI for the Future

Valentyn Volkov, CTO of XPANCEO and celebrated technologist, will unravel how breakthroughs in nanophotonics, especially layered 2D materials and wearable optical sensors are merging with AI and deep tech to reshape how we see, interact, and sense the world. From pioneering research labs to smart, discreet displays and enhanced vision systems, the session highlights how optoelectronic innovation is building tomorrow’s intelligent interfaces across sectors

19:10 - 19:35

Where Founders Meet the World: Insights from Top Global Startup Conferences

Entrepreneurship conferences are no longer just networking events - they are global launchpads where ecosystems converge, partnerships form, and the next generation of startups finds its stage. This session explores what founders, investors, and policy makers can learn from the world’s most influential gatherings, and how Saudi Arabia can position itself at the center of this global dialogue.

19:40 - 20:00

Future of Sports in Saudi Arabia: Legacy, Fans, and Technology

Saudi Arabia’s sports transformation is bigger than any single event, it is a convergence of legacy, experience, and technology. This session explores how the World Cup 2034 serves as a catalyst for national growth, how fan engagement is being redefined across stadiums and digital platforms, and how AI-driven innovation is positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of global sports. By uniting leadership from government, industry, and technology, the discussion will reveal how Saudi Arabia is building a sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive sports ecosystem.