Session Brief

Session Name

Session Time

NEOM isn’t just a mega-project, it’s a living prototype of how Saudi Arabia envisions its future across technology, education, environment, and entertainment. This session explores how NEOM’s integrated approach to smart infrastructure, sustainability, innovation, and cultural experiences sets the foundation for national development and positions Saudi Arabia as a global benchmark for future-ready cities

NEOM’s City of the Future:

Blueprint in Motion

 16:25 – 16:50

This session explores how gaming studios and gaming commerce platforms turn creativity into profit, from developing engaging titles to building scalable in-game economies and revenue models. As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a regional hub for gaming and esports, the session highlights opportunities for local studios to integrate into global ecosystems

Leveling Up: Commercializing Entertainment Through Gaming Studios and Gaming Commerce

17:30 - 17:55

Explores how venture builders & ecosystem enablers can leverage AI as a strategic partner in building and scaling startups to inform data-driven decisions, and shaping business strategy for faster and smarter growth.

AI as your Co-Founder: Building Smarter Startups with Artificial Intelligence in Venture Builders

18:00 - 18:25

This session brings together leaders from Saudi scaleups in data analytics and AI to share how they build scalable solutions, enable smarter decisions, and capture new market opportunities in a fast-evolving global landscape.

Scaling Intelligence: How Data Analytics and AI Are Powering the Next Generation of Businesses

18:30 - 18:50

This session explores how financial literacy serves as the foundation for a thriving fintech ecosystem. With insights from the Deputy Governor of SAMA, it will examine how education, regulation, and innovation intersect to empower consumers, build trust, and accelerate fintech adoption in Saudi Arabia.

SAMA’s Fintech Nation: Financial Literacy and the Future of Fintech

19:15 - 19:30

This session explores the power of entrepreneurship books as a source of inspiration and knowledge for emerging founders and innovators. Nasser AlAqeel will share his personal journey of how reading shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and how ideas drawn from books can be transformed into real businesses. The discussion will highlight how building a consistent reading habit fosters creativity, resilience, and leadership in both Saudi Arabia and global markets

From Bookshelves to Business: How Entrepreneurship Reads Spark Success

19:35 - 19:55

Folajimi Daodu’s journey spans continents—from his roots in Nigeria to his current chapter in Saudi Arabia, where he is building a startup that blends AI and event intelligence. His story reflects the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, highlighting the role of global talent in shaping Saudi’s startup ecosystem. This session dives into his vision, his lessons learned across markets, and how Riyadh has become the launchpad for his next big move.

From Lagos to Riyadh: A Founder’s Journey in Building Saudi’s AI Future

20:00 - 20:10

Women leaders are not only building companies - they are shaping entire ecosystems. This session highlights how female leadership in venture capital, digital cooperation, and business networks drives collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. By sharing their experiences, the speakers will explore how women contribute to ecosystem resilience, attract capital, and foster environments where entrepreneurs thrive.

Female Power in Ecosystems: Leading Change, Building Futures

20:15 - 20:40

This session unpacks the real-world strategies, networks, and ecosystems fueling startup success in the Gulf and beyond. From securing early funding to scaling through incubators, accelerators, and VCs, participants will learn how to transform ideas into investment-ready ventures while positioning themselves within Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving innovation economy.

Growing in Progress: Accelerating Your Rise in Startups, Incubators, & VCs

20:45 - 21:05

This session brings together venture capital leaders to discuss where, why, and how they invest in gaming. Speakers will share insights on market trends, what makes a gaming startup investment-ready, and how Saudi Arabia can position itself as a global player in the gaming economy.

The Business of Play: Investing in Gaming

21:10 - 21:35

Failure is an integral part of any entrepreneurial venture, whereas up to 70% of startups pivot in their first 2 years, what makes successful founders is the art of failing fast and pivoting faster. This session dives into the pivotal moments when entrepreneurs turned setbacks into strategic shifts by unpacking real-world pivots, founders, reveal how timing can transform failure into fuel for growth.

Failing Forward: The Power of the Pivot

21:40 - 22:05

This session explores how academia and research centers can transform their discoveries into meaningful, real-world impact. By aligning academic expertise and research capabilities with social priorities, universities, innovation hubs, and nonprofit initiatives can collectively address pressing societal challenges.

Bridging Knowledge & Purpose: Academia, Research Centers, and Social Impact in Action

22:10 - 22:30