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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?

Applications for the 2025 Cohort are now closed.

View our KDSC Pre-Accelerator Programme Selection Criteria

Meet our cohort for the 2025 KDSC Pre-Accelerator Programme

Subscribe to our newsletter to be informed about future programmes and opportunities

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.

Meet our 2025 Cohort

We are pleased to announce the inaugural cohort of the KDSC Pre-Accelerator Programme. The cohort of young Kuwaiti entrepreneurs will take part in a rigorous programme designed to help them develop their business, entrepreneurial skills and professional network.

Abdulaziz AlYaseen

Abdulaziz is creating a personal finance app that connects to your bank account or uses uploaded bank statements to track finances by helping users create a smart financial plan through budget recommendations for key spending categories like groceries, gas, and subscriptions.

Aldana Alshammari

Aldana is developing a platform that lets creators sell digital products, share links, and get paid — all from one simple Link-in-Bio.

Ali Almulla

Ali is working on DataDesert, a hyperlocal environmental monitoring solution, which provides real-time, hyperlocal environmental data across Kuwait’s neighbourhoods and everyday spaces, helping individuals make safer, healthier, and more informed decisions.

Asmaa Sharar Alkhtlan

Asmaa is working on a digital platform that connects Arab fashion designers with global markets, offering a full ecosystem of services including marketing, production, and sales under one roof.

Awrad Alsharaf

Awrad is working on Tafseela, a Kuwaiti AI-powered digital marketplace that connects local fashion designers with shoppers, offering advanced sizing and fitting features to enhance the online shopping experience, ensuring customers feel safe and reassured about their purchases no matter their size.

Bader Alasfour

Bader is developing a Shariah-compliant invoice crowdfunding solution that helps small businesses and startups improve their cash flow by connecting them directly with investors. It offers a fast, secure, and ethical way for businesses to get funded while providing investors with attractive returns on short-term investments.

Fanar AlObaid

Fanar is developing a smart digital closet that helps you organise, style, and plan outfits effortlessly - anytime, anywhere.

Ghanim Aldosari

Ghanim is working on a travel platform where explorers can share curated lists of must-visit places, turning personal experiences into trusted recommendations.

Husain Alsafat

Husain is working on an AI-powered creative tool that connects with multiple APIs to offer users diverse generation options - from text to visuals - while enabling users to build or train unique personalised styles and themes.

Jamayel Alenezi

Jamayel is developing Design Academy, a platform which aims to solves a core problem in design education: the gap between theory and practice.

Janna Almuqaisib

Janna is creating an online consignment platform which connects customers to sellers and helps alleviate overconsumption.

Mohammed Aldawood

Mohammed is working on a cloud-based 3D printing platform that allows users to upload designs, receive instant pricing, and order professional-grade prints for local delivery - all from a single, user-friendly online portal.

Mona Alajmi

Mona is developing an accredited platform dedicated to cyber security which provides comprehensive training programmes, awareness workshops, and expert consultancy services. The platform addresses the shortage of accredited and specialised cyber security training resources in Kuwait.

Naser Aljemaz

Naser is creating an online wedding marketplace that connects couples with trusted vendors and planners - making wedding planning easier and more organised. The platform offers search, booking, planning tools, and digital invitations, all in one place.

Rasha Alasfar

Rasha is developing an AI-powered content creation agency, which provides businesses with high-quality social media posts, blogs, and marketing materials at affordable prices. They combine human strategy with AI efficiency, to deliver fast, custom content that actually converts.

Rashed Meshal

Rashed is creating a waste management platform that connects businesses and individuals with food waste to factories that will convert it into useful products.

Rayan Alsahli

Rayan is creating Kuwait Eye, a platform that curates and promotes unique local experiences and events in Kuwait, making it easier for residents and visitors to discover what’s happening around them.

Sarah Al Awadh

Sarah and her team are developing a retail data analysis project, using market basket analysis (Apriori and Eclat algorithms) to optimise product placement and product layouts in retail stores, and enhancing retail efficiency.

Somou Aloun

Somou is building a hiring platform that helps companies and startups find proven talent by offering real, paid micro-tasks. This platform helps solve hiring inefficiencies; reducing bad hires and helping fresh grads gain and prove skills through guaranteed paid real work.

Yousef Alsarraf

Yousef is working on a cybersecurity company, providing proactive and reactive customised solutions to companies.