DeveGo25 Forum Concludes in Riyadh with Strong Outcomes

RIYADH — The second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum (DeveGo25), organized by the Social Development Bank, concluded successfully in Riyadh on December 25, 2025, reinforcing its position as the Kingdom’s premier national platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and freelancing. The three-day event attracted a diverse audience of 25,000 attendees, including local and international experts, investors, entrepreneurs, and institutional representatives, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Context and Background

DeveGo25 forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and foster a culture of entrepreneurship, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. The forum provides a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing the latest trends in business and technology. This edition’s success underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses as drivers of economic growth.

Key Details

The forum’s agenda was packed with over 45 specialized workshops and more than 2,500 consultative sessions, delivered by over 70 experts. Attendees also engaged in 20 panel discussions with leading speakers who tackled global trends such as artificial intelligence, the creative economy, digital transformation, and venture capital. A highlight was the launch of the Saudi Empretec Fellowship, attended by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, which aims to nurture entrepreneurial talent. Additionally, 13 winners of a handicrafts competition were honored, and 20 startups pitched their ideas to over 50 investors in the NEXT UP Challenge, fostering potential partnerships.

Implications and Impact

The outcomes of DeveGo25 reflect the growing maturity of Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The signing of 51 agreements and the introduction of new financing products by the Social Development Bank signal a robust support system for startups and small enterprises. This, in turn, is expected to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the non-oil GDP, positioning the Kingdom as a hub for entrepreneurship in the region.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The success of DeveGo25 aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification, SME development, and the promotion of a knowledge-based economy. By fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and global competitiveness, ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens and the wider region.

20 Questions

Q1. What is DeveGo25?

A1. DeveGo25 is the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum held in Riyadh, organized by the Social Development Bank, focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, and freelancing.

Q2. When and where did DeveGo25 take place?

A2. DeveGo25 took place over three days in Riyadh, concluding on December 25, 2025, at a venue organized by the Social Development Bank.

Q3. How many people attended DeveGo25?

A3. The forum welcomed 25,000 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and institutional representatives from Saudi Arabia and abroad.

Q4. How many workshops were conducted at DeveGo25?

A4. More than 45 specialized workshops were conducted, covering various aspects of entrepreneurship, innovation, and modern business practices.

Q5. How many consultative sessions were offered?

A5. Over 2,500 consultative sessions were provided, offering personalized guidance and advice to attendees from more than 70 experts.

Q6. How many experts delivered sessions at the forum?

A6. Over 70 experts from various fields delivered workshops and consultative sessions, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Q7. How many panel discussions were held?

A7. The forum featured 20 panel discussions with leading local and international speakers, addressing topics like AI, creative economy, digital transformation, and venture capital.

Q8. What was the Saudi Empretec Fellowship launch?

A8. The Saudi Empretec Fellowship is a new initiative launched at DeveGo25 to support entrepreneurs, formally introduced with the presence of UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.

Q9. Who attended the launch of the Saudi Empretec Fellowship?

A9. UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan attended the launch, highlighting its international recognition and collaboration with the United Nations.

Q10. What was the handicrafts competition at DeveGo25?

A10. The forum honored 13 winners of a handicrafts competition, celebrating traditional Saudi crafts and supporting artisans from across the Kingdom.

Q11. How many winners were honored in the handicrafts competition?

A11. Exactly 13 winners were honored, representing diverse regions of Saudi Arabia and showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.

Q12. What is the NEXT UP Challenge?

A12. The NEXT UP Challenge was a pitch competition where 20 startups presented their ideas to more than 50 investors, aiming to secure funding and partnerships.

Q13. How many startups participated in the NEXT UP Challenge?

A13. Twenty startups participated in the NEXT UP Challenge, pitching innovative business ideas to a panel of investors and industry experts.

Q14. How many investors were involved in the NEXT UP Challenge?

A14. More than 50 investors were present to hear pitches from the startups, providing opportunities for funding and collaboration.

Q15. How many agreements were signed during DeveGo25?

A15. The forum saw the signing of 51 agreements, aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting new ventures.

Q16. What new financing products were launched at the forum?

A16. The Social Development Bank introduced new financing products designed to provide easier access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Q17. What global trends were addressed at DeveGo25?

A17. Key trends included artificial intelligence, the creative economy, digital transformation, and venture capital, reflecting modern challenges and opportunities.

Q18. How does DeveGo25 support Vision 2030?

A18. By fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, DeveGo25 contributes to economic diversification, SME growth, and the development of a knowledge-based economy as outlined in Vision 2030.

Q19. Why is DeveGo25 significant for Saudi Arabia?

A19. It serves as the Kingdom’s largest platform for entrepreneurship, bringing together stakeholders to drive innovation, create jobs, and boost non-oil sectors.

Q20. What can be expected following DeveGo25?

A20. With the agreements, financing products, and fellowship, continued momentum is expected for Saudi entrepreneurs, further positioning the Kingdom as a regional hub for innovation and business.

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