SpaceUp Competition
In collaboration with the Saudi Space Agency, CST launched the SpaceUp Competition, aimed at strengthening space entrepreneurship, supporting local companies specialized in space technology solutions, attracting global startups and SMEs, and encouraging the adoption of space technologies to address real-world challenges in critical sectors such as the environment, infrastructure, and agriculture.
The competition was designed to connect entrepreneurs worldwide (supply side) with demand partners from the public and private sectors (demand side) across six key tracks, developed in collaboration with national partners including the Saudi Green Initiative, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Quality of Life Program, the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center, and the Weqaa Center.
Winners of the competition were offered contracting opportunities totaling approximately USD 28 million across all tracks, in addition to direct engagement with end users, support for technology localization, and linkage with key stakeholders to enable the deployment of proposed solutions.
Space Technologies Track In Entrepreneurship World Cup 2025
CST launched the Space Technologies Track as part of the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2025, one of the world’s largest global startup competitions. The track aimed to empower entrepreneurs locally and globally to develop innovative solutions addressing challenges in four critical sectors: crowd management, smart construction, public safety, and mining, through the use of advanced space technologies.
The competition targeted entrepreneurs and SMEs across various startup stages, from early-stage ventures to growth-stage companies, competing for total prizes valued at USD 1.5 million. The competition witnessed strong global participation, with more than 10,000 applicants from around the world. As a result, 100 entrepreneurs from over 45 countries were qualified to compete in the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2025 finals.
The Space Technologies Track concluded with four winning companies, each receiving USD 100,000 across the categories of crowd management, smart construction, public safety, and mining.
The launch of this track reflects the Kingdom’s continued efforts to stimulate innovation, support startups, and develop advanced technological solutions, contributing to a knowledge-based economy and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness in the global space sector.
Launch of the Earth Observation Platform
CST launched the Earth Observation (EO) Platform with the objective of attracting major global value-added service providers and positioning the Kingdom as a regional hub for EO-based innovation. The number of companies providing Earth Observation data on the platform is expected to grow to more than 50 companies by 2030, while the number of value-added service providers is projected to reach 80 companies, making the platform the leading developer ecosystem in the region.
Through the platform, CST is working to enhance the comprehensiveness of space activities and support sector growth, establish a thriving and effective EO data marketplace, enable space startups by providing access to EO data, and link space activities with government, private, and economic sectors. The platform also contributes to meeting public and private sector demand for EO-based products through governed, reliable mechanisms, while defining stakeholder obligations, safeguarding user rights, and ensuring the integrity of data sharing and retention.
Space Sector Regulations and Guidelines (Public Consultation)
In December 2025, the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) published a public consultation on the “Space Sector Regulations and Guidelines” document, aimed at stimulating space-sector activities and ensuring their effective implementation. This consultation forms part of CST’s established practice of engaging the public, service providers, and investors when developing and refining its regulatory frameworks.
The consultation seeks to enhance transparency in licensing and permitting procedures for space activities, foster an attractive investment environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and encourage research, development, and innovation in the space domain.
The document introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework and guidelines covering a wide range of space activities, including space object operations, crewed and uncrewed space flights, spaceports, space resources, space surveillance and tracking, sustainability requirements, insurance obligations, and the national registry of space objects. This milestone reflects CST’s commitment to establishing a robust, forward-looking regulatory environment aligned with international best practices.
Investor Awareness and Engagement Initiatives
CST, in collaboration with the Saudi Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (VCPEA), launched a series of investor awareness and engagement initiatives aimed at stimulating private-sector investment in space technologies such as, “Space Investment Awareness Workshop” and “Saudi Space investments, history, opportunities, and enablement’s Panel” . These initiatives included a structured program of workshops and networking events that brought together local and international investors, government entities, and space companies.
The program focused on increasing awareness of space business models, market opportunities, and the regulatory landscape in Saudi Arabia. It contributed to strengthening investor understanding of the space sector and supported ongoing efforts to increase private investment participation in the national space ecosystem.
Plan for 2026
In 2026, the work plan focuses on advancing the legal framework for space sector activities in Saudi Arabia, building on the public consultation launched in December 2025 on the Space Sector Regulations. Efforts will continue to refine and operationalize the regulatory framework to empower space companies through clear, predictable, and innovation enabling regulatory tools that support long-term sector growth.
CST also plans to build on the success of its space entrepreneurship initiatives through atentative second edition of SpaceUp, aimed at further stimulating innovation, attracting high quality startups, and supporting the adoption and localization of space technologies to address national priorities.
Investor engagement will remain a priority in 2026, with continued efforts to enhance awareness of space investment opportunities, improve understanding of space business models, and encourage increased private-sector participation in the Saudi space ecosystem.
In parallel, CST will continue working with relevant national entities to support space entrepreneurs and startups, strengthen ecosystem collaboration, and contribute to the development of a sustainable and competitive space sector in the Kingdom.
