Misk Accelerator2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Zero-equity 12-week hybrid accelerator in Riyadh run by Misk Foundation for post-MVP tech startups building in Saudi Arabia, 20 to 22 startups per cohort.
- No cash investment
- Funding
- No equity
- Equity
- 12 weeks
- Program length
- Dates TBA
- Applications
About Misk Accelerator
Misk Accelerator is the startup accelerator of Misk Foundation, the non-profit founded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is run through Misk Hub in Riyadh and is the successor to the Misk 500 Accelerator, which Misk ran with 500 Startups from 2019. The Misk 500 editions invested $50,000 for 7% equity through 500 Falcons.
The current program works differently. Founders join at zero equity, and selected startups may then receive a direct equity investment from a global venture partner that Misk does not name publicly. Each cohort takes 20 to 22 early-stage tech startups for a 12-week hybrid program.
Sessions mix in-person Focus Weeks in Saudi Arabia with virtual coaching and masterclasses. The program ends with an Investor Night and a Demo Day, and includes a trip to a global innovation hub. Misk reports 213 startups supported across 11 cohorts since 2019 and more than 3,400 jobs created by participants.
The 12th cohort closed applications on September 27, 2025. The accelerator is open to founders from anywhere, but the startup must already operate in Saudi Arabia or plan to scale there. It suits teams that want Saudi market access, government and corporate introductions, and a Riyadh network without giving up equity at entry.
Founders who need guaranteed cash should note that the venture partner investment is selective, not automatic.
What Misk Accelerator looks for
Misk looks for early-stage technology startups that have moved past the MVP and show early traction such as paying users or pilots. The startup must operate in Saudi Arabia or have a credible plan to scale into the Kingdom. Teams need founders who can attend in-person Focus Weeks in Saudi Arabia. Strong applications show a scalable model, a clear Saudi go-to-market plan and a team that can use corporate and government introductions quickly.
How the Misk Accelerator program works
The program runs for 12 weeks in a hybrid format. Startups get one-to-one coaching with assigned coaches and mentors throughout. In-person Focus Weeks in Saudi Arabia bring the cohort together for workshops, masterclasses and meetings with corporates and investors.
Between Focus Weeks, sessions continue online. Toward the end, founders pitch at an Investor Night to venture capital funds and angel investors, with one-on-one introductions afterward. A Demo Day closes the cohort and sits in the Saudi innovation calendar.
The cohort also travels to an international innovation hub to meet local ecosystems. Participants get shared office space during the program and post-program support through Misk Hub. Selected startups can receive an equity investment from Misk's global venture partner after the program.
How to apply to Misk Accelerator
- 1Create a founder profile on the Misk Hub platform (hub.misk.org.sa).
- 2Open the Misk Accelerator program page and submit the application while a cohort call is open.
- 3Show a post-MVP product with early traction and a plan for operating in Saudi Arabia.
- 4Attend an interview with the Misk Accelerator team if shortlisted.
- 5Receive the decision by email and confirm availability for the in-person Focus Weeks.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Misk Accelerator vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misk Accelerator | No cash investment | No equity | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Antler MENAP | Up to $180K | 11% | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Rolling admissions |
| Sanabil Accelerator by 500 Global | $100K | Not published | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Next deadline not announced yet |
| AWS Generative AI Accelerator | Up to $1M | No equity | Seattle, WA | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Conception X | Up to $390K | No equity | London | December 6, 2026 (40 days left) |
| WILCO | Up to $173K | No equity | Paris | Next deadline not announced yet |
Misk Accelerator FAQ
When is the Misk Accelerator application deadline?+
Misk Accelerator has not announced its next deadline yet (Cohort-based, roughly two intakes a year; next cohort dates not published). We check the official site every month and update this page when dates are published.
Does Misk Accelerator take equity?+
No. Recent cohorts are described as zero equity, so you join without giving up shares. Separately, Misk works with a global venture partner that may make a direct equity investment in selected startups. That investment is optional and negotiated on its own terms. It is different from the old Misk 500 program, which invested $50,000 for 7%.
Is Misk Accelerator the same as Misk 500?+
Not exactly. Misk 500 was the joint program Misk Innovation ran with 500 Startups from 2019, with a 14-week track and a $50,000 investment for 7% equity. Misk now runs Misk Accelerator through Misk Hub with its own format: 12 weeks, hybrid, zero equity at entry and a separate venture partner for investment.
Can non-Saudi startups apply?+
Yes. Startups from outside Saudi Arabia can apply if they plan to scale into the Saudi market. Misk asks that applicants either operate in the Kingdom already or show a credible expansion plan. At least one founder should be able to travel to Saudi Arabia for the in-person Focus Weeks during the 12 weeks.
When does the next Misk Accelerator cohort open?+
Misk has not published the next deadline. Past calls opened in December with a February close and in summer with a September close. The 12th cohort closed on September 27, 2025. Watch the Misk Hub accelerator page, where calls are posted, and create your Misk Hub profile early.
Sources: hub.misk.org.sa, menastartupdigest.com, tribetechie.com, thenationalnews.com, 500.co