Leap23 has announced a series of new investment and funding programmes designed to accelerate the kingdom’s digital transformation in multiple fields.
The announcements, which equate to $580m and follow more than $9bn of investments revealed earlier this week.
The new investments include the launch of a major new data centre and two dedicated academies to develop the technical skills of homegrown talent and provide them with the tools of the future.
Read: LEAP23 announces investments of over $9bn to support future technology and startups
Leap23 investments
One of the most prominent announcements was revealed by Ignite – a programme under Saudi’s Digital Content Council – which launched several initiatives, a package of financing programmes, and pioneering private sector partnerships amounting to $170m.
On the third day of #LEAP23, major international and local companies continue to announce investments in the technology and innovation sectors.#LEAPinSAUDI pic.twitter.com/ODAi2MLqJa
— LEAP (@LEAPandInnovate) February 8, 2023
Elsewhere, technology consulting services company Wipro announced investments of $110m to expand its cloud studio service, develop digital healthcare solutions, and support the development of local talent.
Unity, the global games development platform, also announced the establishment of its first regional academy and a centre for developing electronic games – in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) – to create and foster technical talents.
Zoho, an IT, software development and cloud computing company, outlined plans to expand its presence in the kingdom with new office openings and the establishment of a cloud area for its services.
It also confirmed an allocation of $300m over the next 10 years as a portfolio balance to support Saudi startups aiding the country’s digital transformation.
Having entered the data centre arena in 2021, Damac Group announced the expansion of investments in large data centres in the kingdom with a total capacity of more than 55 megawatts.
Finally, Amazon announced the establishment of its first regional academy to develop and train more than 30,000 talents. In addition, the academy will provide more than 35,000 professional certificates in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
In support of the digital economy, @amazon establishes at #LEAP23, and in partnership with @McitGovSa, the first digital academy to develop regional talent in cloud computing and AI pic.twitter.com/nbhYUOMrhS
— LEAP (@LEAPandInnovate) February 8, 2023
The academy is part of a national partnership with MCIT that encompasses the Ministry’s Future Skills initiative, affiliated Saudi Digital Academy, Human Capacity Development Programme and Tuwaiq Academy.