King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), one of the region’s premier institutions for scientific and technological advancement, has launched an innovative initiative: the Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship Program. Delivered in partnership with Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV), this program combines rigorous postdoctoral research with entrepreneurial development, offering participants the chance to grow both academically and commercially .
The program is tailored for PhD graduates who are building or scaling hard-technology ventures with significant market potential. Unlike traditional postdoctoral tracks, it provides structured funding, venture support, and access to a collaborative research ecosystem, enabling fellows to transform ideas into impactful innovations.
The KFUPM Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship Program bridges advanced academic research and real-world entrepreneurship. Designed for PhD graduates leading hard-tech startups, it offers a competitive salary, startup equity funding, access to world-class research labs, and incubation support in Dhahran Techno Valley, Saudi Arabia. Applications open for the 2025–2026 cycle.
Program Overview
The Postdoctoral Startup Fellowship Program goes far beyond conventional research appointments. It supports ambitious PhD holders—particularly those who are startup founders or co-founders—by allowing them to:
Conduct high-level scientific research in KFUPM’s advanced centers.
Develop, test, and scale technology-based ventures through DTV’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Secure funding, mentorship, and research partnerships that align directly with their business goals.
By blending entrepreneurial incubation with academic rigor, the program nurtures a new generation of scholar-entrepreneurs capable of bridging scientific inquiry and commercial execution.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet a series of academic and entrepreneurial criteria:
Recent PhD Completion: Candidates must hold a doctorate in science, engineering, or business, obtained within the last three years. Exceptions may be made for exceptional cases with strong justification.
Accredited Institution: The PhD degree must be awarded by a recognized and reputable university.
Startup Founder or Builder: Applicants must be the founder or co-founder of an early-stage hard-tech startup, or actively building a venture with a product or technology focus.
Business Plan Submission: A structured and realistic business plan or venture proposal is required to demonstrate feasibility.
Academic Excellence: Evidence of scholarly productivity, such as peer-reviewed publications, patents, or relevant research achievements, must be presented.
Research Center Support: Candidates must secure backing from a KFUPM research center
that aligns with their startup’s domain.Evaluation Process: All applicants must pass a rigorous two-stage evaluation jointly conducted by DTV and the chosen KFUPM research center.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides a comprehensive support package that balances personal livelihood with entrepreneurial growth:
Annual Salary: USD 48,000 to support living expenses.
Startup Equity Funding: USD 32,000 allocated in tranches, released upon achieving startup milestones.
Housing Allowance: Equivalent to three months’ salary to cover accommodation needs.
Medical Services: Full access to campus healthcare facilities.
Follow-On Investment Opportunities: Potential for additional venture funding upon successful milestone completion.
Research Infrastructure: Direct access to KFUPM’s advanced laboratories, research facilities, and core technology equipment.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Mentorship, incubation, and commercialization guidance via Dhahran Techno Valley.
Supplementary Support: Additional resources as required for prototyping, market testing, or scaling operations.
This unique combination ensures that fellows not only pursue academic research but also build sustainable ventures with clear pathways to commercialization.
Duration and Extension
Standard Tenure: 24 months.
Extension Option: Up to 48 months, based on mutual agreement and performance.
Renewal Criteria: Extensions depend on startup progress, research output, and alignment with KFUPM’s policies on contract renewals.
This structure provides enough time for fellows to demonstrate research contributions while scaling their startup to investment-ready levels.
Roles, Expectations, and Commitments
Fellows are expected to divide their time between research excellence and entrepreneurial advancement:
Research Responsibilities
Engage in high-impact projects within affiliated KFUPM research centers.
Contribute to publications, invention disclosures, and collaborations.
Align research activities with the strategic goals of the university.
Entrepreneurial Responsibilities
Develop prototypes, refine business models, and secure customer validation.
Lead product development, engage potential investors, and prepare for market entry.
Report regularly on progress against defined business milestones.
Additional Commitments
Maintain a detailed roadmap outlining both research and startup objectives.
Submit periodic progress reports covering both academic and venture aspects.
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration with peers and faculty at KFUPM.
Selection Process
The program follows a structured selection framework designed to identify the strongest candidates:
