For the third time, the German-Saudi Arabian Liaison Office for Economic Affairs is hosting a startup competition. It's already the third round that the German-Saudi Startup Competition is organized by The German-Saudi Arabian Liaison Office for Economic Affairs (GESALO). After the successful first round in Riyadh and second round in Bahrain, this year's Completion will take place in Jeddah. The competition is open for Saudi & Bahraini startups founded in 2015 or later, in the fields of Healthcare and IoT. The ten best startups will get the opportunity to pitch their business ideas in July in front of the members of the local German Business Community and a high-ranked jury including the German Ambassador, Jörg Ranau, GESALO Delegate Oliver Oehms, leading local entrepreneurs, investors, sponsors and partners like Siemens Healthineers, Lufthansa, SAP, DETASAD, Alexander & Partner, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, BMW, and Star Printing Company. The winners of this year's competition will win a one week trip to Germany to participate in the Start!up Germany Tour 2019. As a particular highlight, the startups will get the chance to attend and participate at the Founders Festival „Bits&Pretzels". During the visit, the winners will also get a chance to experience the vibrant startup ecosystem in Munich, as well as meetings with successful German founders, investors, and experts. The number of startups is growing at a faster rate than ever before in the region and entrepreneurship is becoming highly popular in KSA, especially in line with its Vision 2030. The role of Monsha'at in particular, the Small and Medium Enterprise Authority, has been key in fostering the growth of this ecosystem. As the German Chamber here in Riyadh we are delighted to be supporting the startup movement with this competition and are indeed proud to help Saudi entrepreneurs kick-start their careers through our vast network and expertise. Oliver Oehms, Delegate of German Industry & Commerce for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen said last year: "We offer young Saudi entrepreneurs a platform to connect to industry leaders, experienced investors, and potential new customers from Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf region. Small and medium-sized companies and innovative business ideas are the key drivers of the German economy and a growing sector in Saudi Arabia. We intend to support young Saudi startups with our network and know-how." "We are looking forward to receiving your applications and to welcoming you in July in Jeddah." — SG
