Sabah Al-Ahmad Acceleration Program 2026

In partnership with Mind the Bridge
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Journey

Program Timeline

  1. STEP 01

    Applications Open

    1 September 2026
  2. STEP 02

    Registration Deadline

    12 November 2026
  3. STEP 03

    Kuwait Acceleration Sprint

    16–23 November 2026
  4. STEP 04

    Pitch & Selection Day

    Selection of the Top 10 Finalists

    23 November 2026
  5. STEP 05

    International Mission – Barcelona, Spain

    8–17 December 2026
  6. STEP 06

    International Demo Day – Barcelona

    15 December 2026
Overview

About the Program

SACGC launches an intensive acceleration journey that identifies Kuwaiti innovation, addressing challenges and opportunities across Food and Water Security, and advances high-potential projects toward validation, pilot-readiness, commercialization and international exposure.

The program is designed for inventors and innovation projects that have progressed beyond a basic idea and demonstrate a meaningful level of development, validation or readiness.
Participants progress through structured preparation, validation, mentoring, technical and commercial development, and pitch readiness.

Following the Kuwait acceleration stage, the Top 10 finalists advance to an International Mission in Barcelona, Spain.

International Program Partner

Mind the Bridge

Mind the Bridge is a global open innovation platform founded in 2007, working at the intersection of startups, corporations and innovation ecosystems. Through its international network and acceleration expertise, MTB supports entrepreneurs in validating, scaling and connecting their solutions with global markets, corporate partners, investors and innovation ecosystems.

Every year, Mind the Bridge:

10,000+
startups engaged
100+
corporates served
300+
startups accelerated through its global programs and innovation activities
What You Gain

Program Outcomes

Kuwait Acceleration Sprint
Intensive acceleration in Kuwait, 16–23 November
Mentors & Experts
Practical engagement with domain specialists
Market Validation
Customers, value proposition, commercial readiness
Global Exposure
International mission for the Top 10 finalists
Eligibility

Terms and Conditions

Kuwaiti Nationals Only
Ages: 21 to 35 years old
MVPs
Applicants must have MVP, beta stage solution
Food & Water Relevance
Solutions relevant to Food or Water Security. Priority to Software, Hardware, Web based or AI Solutions
International Travel & Visa
Applicants must obtain a US / Schengen visa
Proficiency in English
Applicant must speak fluent English
Audience

Who Can Apply

University Students
With a capstone project in Water and Food Security
Field Activists
Activists in the field of Water and Food Security
Inventors
Inventors in the field of Water and Food Security
Entrepreneurs & Innovators
Entrepreneurs and innovators in the field of Water and Food Security
Focus Areas

Target Sectors

F

Food

Advanced food-production systems, controlled environments, food safety and traceability, supply-chain resilience, circularity and alternative food systems.

W

Water

Smart irrigation, water reuse, leakage detection, monitoring and conservation technologies that raise water productivity.

More Information

Program Details

STAGE 1

Kuwait Acceleration Sprint

16–23 November 2026

An intensive acceleration program designed to develop selected projects from validated concepts toward stronger, market-ready and investment-ready opportunities.

Throughout the Kuwait Sprint, participants will work on:

  • Problem Framing & Validation
  • Customer Discovery & Lean Startup
  • Food & Water Market Insights
  • MVP Development
  • Value Proposition & Business Model
  • Technical Feasibility & Pilot Readiness
  • Pitch Development and Presentation Skills

The sprint will conclude with the Pitch & Selection Day on 23 November, where the Top 10 Finalists will be selected to proceed to the International Mission.

STAGE 2

International Mission – Barcelona, Spain

8–17 December 2026

The Top 10 Finalists will participate in an intensive international exposure and scaling program delivered with Mind the Bridge in Barcelona and the surrounding innovation ecosystem.

The mission will include:

  • Market-entry and international scaling support
  • Individual 1:1 sessions with Scaling Managers
  • Exposure to Barcelona’s startup and innovation ecosystem
  • Food Security and AgriTech industry engagement
  • Water Security and desalination innovation exposure
  • Meetings with companies, innovation organizations and ecosystem stakeholders
  • Pitch refinement and international business development
  • International Demo Day in Barcelona
  • Individual action plans and next-step recommendations

The objective is to provide finalists with practical international exposure, meaningful connections and a clear pathway for the next stage of their projects.

Meet the Team

Faculty Members

Marco Marinucci

Marco Marinucci

Founder & CEO, Mind the Bridge
Project Director for the program

Marco is an entrepreneur and investor with more than 30 years of experience across innovation, venture capital, AI and business development. Before founding Mind the Bridge, he spent almost a decade at Google and has extensive experience supporting startup acceleration and international innovation programs.

Alberto Onetti

Alberto Onetti

Chairman, Mind the Bridge
Head of Faculty & Senior Advisor

Alberto has three decades of experience in entrepreneurship, corporate strategy and global innovation ecosystems. He is also a university professor of Innovation and Management and has led innovation programs for governments, multinational companies and international organizations across more than 30 countries.

Davide Faraci

Davide Faraci

Innovation Advisory Team Lead, Mind the Bridge
Lead Trainer & Workshop Facilitator

Davide brings more than 10 years of experience in strategy, innovation and technology, with a strong background in hands-on workshop delivery. His previous experience includes Accenture, Bain, Arthur D. Little and H-Farm, and he currently manages acceleration activities with the Port of Barcelona.

Matteo Mingardi

Matteo Mingardi

Managing Director & CEO of Innovation Division, Nespak

Matteo specializes in food packaging, operational excellence and scaling industrial innovation. Previously, as Global Innovation Lead at Pelliconi Group, he managed more than 100 patents and new venture creation. His expertise combines innovation, product development and commercial execution across the global food value chain.

Bianca Palici

Bianca Palici

Innovation Advisor, Mind the Bridge
Lead Trainer & Workshop Facilitator

Bianca brings extensive international experience in corporate innovation, technology scouting, and strategic consulting. Her background combines rigorous global training from Bocconi University and Esade with a strong track record in hands-on advisory execution. Her previous experience includes driving strategies for enterprise banking clients at Gartner, as well as directing digital strategy initiatives at Lavazza. She currently orchestrates key innovation advisory and technology ecosystem development activities such as the Startup Accelerator Program with the Port of Barcelona.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything applicants usually want to confirm before applying.

Can I apply if I do not have a registered company? +
Yes. The program is open to qualified Kuwaiti inventors and innovation projects. Applicants should demonstrate a meaningful level of project development, validation or readiness.
Can I apply with only an idea? +
This Program is an acceleration program and is primarily designed for projects that have progressed beyond a basic idea — such as prototypes, MVPs, beta solutions, pilots or projects demonstrating meaningful development or validation.
Does my project need to cover Food and Water together? +
No. Your innovation may address one or more of This Program’s innovation areas.
Is the program limited to technology-based projects? +
No. Technology may be an important enabler, but projects will be considered based on their relevance, innovation, readiness and potential impact.
Will everyone participating in the program travel internationally? +
No. The International Exposure Mission is available to the Top 10 finalists selected following the acceleration stage and Pitch Day.
What happens if I am selected for the International Exposure Mission? +
Selected finalists will receive the confirmed destination and travel requirements and will be responsible for obtaining the required visa and travel documentation within the specified timeframe.
What is the language of the program? +
Applicants should have sufficient English proficiency to participate effectively in training, mentoring, pitching and international activities.
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