In a significant development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has unveiled the “Exponeur” initiative at its pavilion during the Expo 2025 in Osaka. This global Saudi initiative seeks to foster connections among entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors within the framework of the International Expo, leveraging this global gathering to enhance entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide.
Spanning a period of five years from Osaka 2025 to Riyadh 2030, the initiative is designed to address global challenges by linking them with innovative opportunities. Through various training programs, the initiative aims to showcase innovative projects and create a tangible impact at each Expo cycle, starting with the Riyadh edition in 2030. Exponeur aspires to become the first pavilion in Expo history dedicated entirely to the realms of entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment, thereby reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global role in cultivating an unlimited entrepreneurial environment. Moreover, it epitomizes the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Among the diverse programs and activities spearheaded by Exponeur is the “Exponeur Academy.” This global training program spans six months and is set to empower 150 entrepreneurs annually from over 20 countries. Participants will benefit from mentorship sessions, investment readiness training, and opportunities to present their projects to venture capital firms. Additionally, the “Exponeur Competitions and Challenges” will take place over five years, aligning with the themes of each Expo edition. These competitions will progress through regional and global stages, culminating in a showcase of the top projects at the Exponeur pavilion during Expo 2030.
The initiative also includes an “Annual Exponeur Event,” hosted in Riyadh, the city designated for the upcoming Expo. This event will feature discussion panels, presentations, and networking activities aimed at building partnerships. Furthermore, the “Entrepreneurship Development Fund” is designed to support startups and bridge the funding gap in developing nations.
This initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Visionary Entrepreneurship Association and in partnership with the Ministry of Investment in Saudi Arabia, as well as the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). The initiative is also supported by SBI Holdings, a Japanese group that backed the initial round of activities and training programs during Expo 2025 in Osaka.
His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Visionary Entrepreneurship Association and President of the Saudi Startup Companies Group, as well as President of the Startup20 Youth Entrepreneurs Union, articulated the initiative’s significance. He stated that “Exponeur” embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to both national and global economic development. By establishing bridges between nations, the initiative promotes a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in response to global challenges. It aims to empower future generations to develop solutions, enhance knowledge exchange, and address funding gaps while presenting opportunities to various stakeholders.
Commenting on the inception of Exponeur, its founder, Mansour Al-Sanouni, remarked, “The idea of Exponeur was born during our participation in Expo 2020 Dubai. We firmly believe in the capacity of entrepreneurs to provide genuine solutions to global challenges. Today, this concept has evolved into a global initiative aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, ultimately leading to Expo Osaka 2025 and then to Expo Riyadh 2030.”
In summary, the Exponeur initiative represents a transformative opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its potential as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation on a global stage. By promoting international collaboration and providing support for budding entrepreneurs, the initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the global entrepreneurial landscape, paving the way for innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
