Tunisian Participation in LEAP Riyadh Exhibition Postponed
The Tunisian participation in the LEAP Riyadh exhibition has undergone a significant change. According to a statement released today by the Ministry of Communication Technologies, the event, initially scheduled from April 13 to 16, 2026, has been postponed by the organizers to the period from August 31 to September 3, 2026.
Call for Applications Postponed
As a result, the call for applications to select 6 Tunisian startups to represent Tunisian innovation in Riyadh has also been postponed. The ministry states: "Following the postponement of the 5th edition of the LEAP Riyadh exhibition by the organizer, the application period for selecting 6 Tunisian startups is also postponed. The new application deadlines will be communicated later."
Selection Criteria Reminder
The candidate startups were initially required to meet several requirements:
- Legal Status: Be labeled in accordance with Tunisian regulations
- Innovation: Offer a disruptive technological solution (AI, DeepTech, etc.)
- Market Adaptation: Relevance of the solution for the Saudi and regional markets
- Traction: Growing revenue, solid user base, and successful fundraising
- Team: Complementary team with international vision
- Language: Perfect mastery of English
The priority sectors remain:
- Artificial Intelligence and Cloud
- Fintech and Blockchain
- HealthTech and Biotech
- EdTech
- Energy and DeepTech
- RetailTech and E-commerce
Support for Selected Startups
According to the statement, the six selected Tunisian startups will benefit from comprehensive support, thanks to the ministry and its partners:
- Transportation: Round-trip air ticket from Tunis to Riyadh
- Access: Exhibitor badge for the LEAP exhibition
- Visibility: Opportunity to pitch on official stages and direct connection with regional and international investors
This program, supported by GIZ Tunisia, CEPEX, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC), Smart Capital, and Smart Tunisian Technoparks (S2T), aims to:
- Highlight Tunisian technological excellence
- Facilitate access to the Saudi market and Gulf countries for startups
- Create opportunities for fundraising and international partnerships
New Application Deadline
The initial application deadline was Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Thanks to the postponement, Tunisian startups now have extra time to prepare their application and position themselves for this strategic mission in the heart of the Middle East.
The ministry also reminds that: "In accordance with our equity policy, priority will be given to startups that have not benefited from public support for an international mission in the last 12 months." The ministry announces that the new application deadlines will be communicated soon.
