Technology & Innovation
MCIT Launches Second Edition of Corporate Innovation Program
Announced · Published · By Sokrab Saudi Arabia
MCIT's Center of Digital Entrepreneurship and Plug and Play launched the second edition of the Corporate Innovation Program, with executive workshops in Riyadh on 23-25 November 2026.
What was announced
On 20 October 2026 the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), through its Center of Digital Entrepreneurship (CODE) and in partnership with Plug and Play, launched the second edition of the Corporate Innovation Program, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The programme helps leaders of Saudi companies adopt open innovation and build partnership and investment models with startups.
Key details
- Format: in-person executive workshops in Riyadh from 23 to 25 November 2026.
- Topics: innovation as a strategic corporate priority, corporate venture capital models, adopting startup solutions through customer relationships, and strategic partnerships.
- Approach: practical exercises and international case studies to help participants set an innovation strategy, choose suitable models and identify priority areas for collaboration.
- Registration: MCIT invited interested participants to register through the form linked in the official announcement.
Why it matters for businesses
Many established companies in the Kingdom are under pressure to adopt AI, automation and other digital technologies but lack a structured way to work with startups. The programme aims to move innovation from awareness to a repeatable practice within the organisation, covering how to scout technologies, run pilots and decide when to partner, invest or build. For startups, it creates potential access to corporate customers and partners, which MCIT links to the growth of the technology ecosystem under Vision 2030.
Corporate venture and open-innovation models also raise governance questions. Boards need clear criteria for investments, ways to measure returns, and controls over data sharing and intellectual property when working with outside partners. Finance teams also need to decide how pilot costs and minority stakes in startups will be tracked and reported.
What to watch next
The announcement does not set out participant numbers, fees or selection criteria. Companies interested in the November workshops should confirm these details directly with MCIT and CODE through the registration channel.
What businesses may want to do: decide who in the leadership team owns innovation and technology adoption, list the business problems where startup solutions could help, and consider whether a structured programme of this kind fits the company's digital transformation plan.
Sources
How Sokrab can help
Questions about how this affects your business? Contact Sokrab Saudi Arabia or book a meeting.
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