The largest-ever startup delegation of South Korea has arrived in Riyadh for BIBAN 2025, the Middle East’s premier entrepreneurship forum. Beyond showcasing 31 innovative companies, the event marks a milestone in Korea–Saudi Arabia policy cooperation, as KISED signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Monsha’at to build a long-term bridge for startup ecosystem collaboration aligned with Vision 2030.

Korea and Saudi Arabia Formalize Startup Cooperation at BIBAN 2025

On November 5, 2025 (local time), the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) and Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, signed an MOU at the BIBAN 2025 Forum in Riyadh to strengthen cooperation in technology-based entrepreneurship.

The agreement focuses on mutual market entry, knowledge sharing, and institutional coordination between the two nations’ startup ecosystems. Both sides committed to sharing policy operation strategies, participating in joint exhibitions, and facilitating business and startup delegations.

The collaboration forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil by nurturing innovation-led, technology-driven growth.

The MOU also establishes a formal policy framework to accelerate exchanges between Korean and Saudi startups and position Korea as a strategic partner in the Kingdom’s emerging innovation landscape.

BIBAN 2025 as a Gateway to the Middle East Startup Market

Hosted annually in Saudi Arabia, BIBAN has become the Middle East’s largest startup exhibition and policy forum, serving as a convergence point for entrepreneurs, investors, and government agencies.

KISED has participated since 2023, operating the K-Startup Pavilion to introduce Korean innovators to the Saudi market. This year’s delegation — the largest to date with 31 companies — showcases cutting-edge technologies across artificial intelligence (AI), biohealth, smart city solutions, and digital content.

Participating startups include Vestella Lab, LineThree, Angelswing, and Amuz, with several others such as BANF and Cubig also competing in the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC 2025) finals held alongside the forum.

The growing Korean presence underscores both the maturity of Korea’s startup ecosystem and the government’s strategic focus on cross-border market expansion, especially in regions accelerating digital transformation under national innovation visions.

Commitment to Long-Term Collaboration from Korea and Saudi Arabia

Yoo Jong-pil, President of KISED, said:

“This cooperation with Monsha’at marks a meaningful first step toward entering Middle Eastern markets. We will strengthen practical, on-site support so that top startups from both countries can grow together.”

Sami Alhussaini, Governor of Monsha’at, added:

“The MOU will deepen knowledge exchange and foster innovation between our nations while expanding Saudi companies’ global reach. It represents an important turning point for bilateral cooperation.”

Both leaders emphasized that the partnership extends beyond a ceremonial agreement — it is a structural commitment to building mutual innovation channels between Asia’s advanced startup economy and the Middle East’s rapidly diversifying market.

Korea – Saudi Arabia: From Policy Partnership to Startup Mobility

The Korea–Saudi partnership symbolizes a strategic pivot in Asia–Middle East cooperation, moving beyond trade missions toward sustainable ecosystem linkage.
For Korea, the MOU provides a formal pathway to integrate its startup policies and incubation models into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework, potentially unlocking new markets for AI, clean tech, and smart manufacturing.

For Saudi Arabia, collaboration with KISED offers direct access to Korea’s innovation infrastructure, mentoring systems, and proven scale-up mechanisms that can help accelerate local ecosystem maturity.

This partnership complements Korea’s broader push for global startup mobility, under which the government has supported outbound programs such as K-Startup Centers in Singapore, Jakarta, and Abu Dhabi. The addition of Saudi Arabia reinforces Korea’s role as a regional innovation connector bridging Asia and the Middle East.

K-Startup Pavilion at BIBAN 2025: Setting the Foundation for Cross-Border Innovation

The MOU between KISED and Monsha’at reflects more than a diplomatic gesture — it represents institutional recognition that startup policy exchange now plays a central role in global economic diplomacy.

As BIBAN 2025 highlights the Middle East’s growing appetite for innovation partnerships, Korea’s participation signals a long-term commitment to shaping that future. With the K-Startup Pavilion serving as both a showcase and a policy bridge, the collaboration sets a precedent for cross-border innovation that merges technology, entrepreneurship, and national strategy.

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