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Apply to the KDSC Pre-Accelerator Programme

About the KDSC Pre-Accelerator Programme

The KDSC Pre-Accelerator Programme is an exciting opportunity for idea and early-stage entrepreneurs to gain the tools, knowledge, and network to bring their ideas to life.

From the application process to the final networking trip, the Pre-Accelerator is designed to support entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into impactful ventures.

This structured programme consists of several transformative phases:

Phase I: Bootcamp

Intensive, in-person, two-week bootcamp offering entrepreneurs a carefully curated curriculum designed to elevate their skills and business ideas. Through interactive sessions led by industry experts, participants will master core entrepreneurial disciplines, including strategy, marketing, and financial management. The programme also provides personalised, one-on-one mentoring, enabling participants to refine their business ideas, develop actionable strategies, and position their ventures for long-term success.

Dates: 15th – 26th June
Location: TBC, Kuwait

Phase II: Guided Development

Phase II will provide a 3-month structured support and guide as entrepreneurs work on their ideas while learning from the bootcamp. Participants will engage in virtual check-ins with the programme team and mentors as well as receive personalised feedback and support. Additionally, monthly cohort meetings will be organized to foster peer learning, and feature guest speakers providing valuable insights to participants.

This support is mostly virtual to facilitate working on the business/ idea full-time, but we will likely also offer in-person office hours as well as the peer-to-peer monthly events.

Dates: July–September (TBC)
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Phase III: Project Finalisation and Pitch Competition

Phase III includes a final in-person curriculum week, where the focus will be on refining entrepreneurs’ business ideas based on the programme’s learnings thus far and pitch preparation for the pitch competition.

The pitch competition will take place on the last day of said week, where participants will present their ideas to a panel of industry experts, with the top five securing a place on the London Networking Trip.

Dates: October (TBC)
Location: TBC, Kuwait

Phase IV: London Networking Trip

Five participants, selected from the pitch competition, will be invited on a networking trip to immerse themselves in the London entrepreneurial ecosystem and connect with industry-leading mentors, and networking opportunities.

Dates: November (TBC)
Location: London, UK

Why apply?

Validation and refinement of business idea through tailored guidance

Support with the creation of an MVP or Prototype

Gain personalised mentoring from industry experts

Master key entrepreneurial skills in product, strategy, marketing, finance and much more

Access to legal advisors and incorporation support

Access a support network of like-minded entrepreneurs and investors

Pitch to top industry professionals and experts

Top-performing participants will get the opportunity to join an exclusive, fully-funded London networking trip

Who can apply?

This is your chance to join a dynamic cohort of Kuwaiti and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level.

Please review the selection criteria here.

Applications Open: 18th February, 2025
Application Deadline: 6th April, 2025 (23:59 AST)

Apply now

For any queries, please direct your questions to contact@kdsc.ventures or book for office hours here.

Application Process

In the past, we’ve supported many different accelerator programmes and have seen a lot of applications – check out this blog for some tips on how to make you application stand out.

Stage 1: Call for Applications

Applications open: 18th February – 6th April 2025 (23:59 AST)

All applications will be reviewed by the programme team and selection committee. If your idea passes the selection criteria, you may be contacted for a programme interview.

Stage 2: Application Review

Selection process: 14th April – 16th May 2025

Applications will be reviewed and ranked by the programme’s selection committee to define the Programme Applications Shortlist. The selection committee is made up of the programme team, subject matter experts, and programme mentors.

Stage 3: Short-List

Applicant interviews: 28th April – 8th May 2025

If you’re successful after the first round of internal reviews, we might invite you for follow-up interviews. You must be available to schedule a virtual interview at a time from Tuesday 28th April – 8th May 2025.

Stage 4: Final Selection

Successful applicants notified: 16th May 2025

The successful applicants will then be notified and offered places shortly after the final interviews. Applicants will have 24 hours to accept or decline the offer of a programme place.

About the Kuwait Digital Startup Campus

The Kuwait Digital Startup Campus is a joint project between the Kuwait Youth Public Authority (YPA) and Aerospace Xelerated, designed to drive innovation in Kuwait.

The project is focused on bringing together stakeholders to nurture the Kuwaiti innovation ecosystem; providing training, mentorship and networking opportunities to:


Founders and Entrepreneurs


Investors and Financial Institutions


Corporates


Academia

2024

Project Kick Off

Project commences with workshops, meetups, and hackathon, bringing together stakeholders from across the ecosystem.

2025

Programme Launch

Tailored programmes for entrepreneurs and investors begin.

2026

Provisional Campus Opening

The campus is scheduled to open in Kuwait City in 2026 as the home for all programmes and events.

Interested in partnering with the programme?

Partnerships are critical to the success of the Kuwait Digital Startup Campus project. The programme works with stakeholders from industry, finance, and academia, both within Kuwait and internationally.

Please get in touch with our team to find out more about how your organisation could partner with the programme.