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RIYADH: Some 100 startups from 46 countries have officially qualified for the finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2025, set to be held in the Saudi capital as a centerpiece of the Biban 2025 forum.

Scheduled for Nov. 5-8 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre, the EWC finals are organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunity.”

Hosting the finals of the EWC as part of Biban 2025 underscores ����ֱ��’s role in supporting global innovation and entrepreneurship, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It reflects the Kingdom’s advanced position in attracting international startups, investments, and pioneering ideas, aligning with the economic diversification and sustainability goals outlined in its Vision 2030 blueprint.

The EWC is recognized as the largest global competition for entrepreneurs. This year’s edition is being held by �ѴDzԲ���’a�� in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network and the Misk Foundation. 

Participants will compete for a share of a prize pool exceeding $1.5 million in an event that gathers a global elite of entrepreneurs, investors, and experts, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing stature as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, SPA reported.

The competition attracted an overwhelming response during its registration phase, with over 10,300 applications received from more than 169 countries. 

The submitted projects underwent multiple rigorous evaluation and judging processes starting last May. From this pool, 250 projects advanced to a virtual training camp, held in partnership with Spain's Esade Ramon Llull University, where the top 100 finalists were ultimately selected to compete for the title.

Among the countries with the strongest representation in the finals are ����ֱ��, the US, and the UK.

The qualifying startups span a wide array of vital and forward-looking sectors, including communications, health, and space.

The EWC plays a crucial role in empowering entrepreneurs worldwide by providing a platform to present their ideas directly to investors and venture capital funds. 

Finalists also benefit from specialized training, mentorship, and networking programs designed to enhance their competitive edge and help transform their ideas into scalable projects with global potential.

JEDDAH: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure in ����ֱ�� is set to improve as Public Investment Fund-backed EVIQ has partnered with Arabian Petroleum Supply Co. to deploy fast-charging stations nationwide. 

The collaboration will integrate EVIQ’s advanced charging technologies with Apsco’s extensive service station network, focusing on busy highways, urban centers, and key stations to optimize accessibility for EV drivers, according to a press release. 

EVIQ aims to install over 5,000 fast chargers by 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s target of electrifying 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. 

The project builds on EVIQ’s prior agreement with international chauffeur service Blacklane to expand the EV network in major cities. 

Mohammad Bakr Gazzaz, CEO of EVIQ, said: “This collaboration with Apsco marks another milestone in our mission to enable a seamless, accessible, and sustainable EV charging ecosystem across the Kingdom.” 

He added: “Together, we are taking a significant step toward realizing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for greener mobility, paving the way for the future of electric transportation in the Kingdom of ����ֱ��.” 

EVIQ, a joint venture of PIF and Saudi Electricity Co., is building a nationwide fast-charging network and operates a state-of-the-art R&D facility in Riyadh. 

Apsco is a national energy provider with over 65 years of experience in fuels, lubricants, and energy solutions across automotive, aviation, and industrial sectors. 

“By joining forces with EVIQ, we are enabling the infrastructure required for the future of electric transportation, empowering our customers with reliable and accessible charging options across the Kingdom,” said Azzam Qari, CEO at Apsco. 

����ֱ�� is building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem, investing in US-based EV maker Lucid through PIF and developing its homegrown brand Ceer, which is set to launch its first models in 2026. 

Last month, Jeddah’s EV network received a boost after the city’s transport authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Petromin Co. to develop new charging stations in ����ֱ��’s second-largest city. 

Under the agreement, Jeddah Transport Co. and Electromin — Petromin’s mobility subsidiary — will collaborate on site assessments, design, installation, and operational support for the facilities.

Global projections indicate that eco-friendly vehicles could make up 50 percent of car sales by 2035, highlighting the importance of the country’s electrification efforts in shaping the future of mobility.