Biotech startup NanoPalm wins KPMG’s Global Tech Innovator competition in KSA
KPMG has named NanoPalm as the winner of its Global Tech Innovator competition in Saudi Arabia, with the biotech startup now lined up to represent the Kingdom at the global final in Portugal.
Now in its fifth year, the Global Tech Innovator competition highlights the most ambitious and forward-thinking technology ventures across the Kingdom. Held in 20+ countries around the world, the competition is open to early-stage and growth-stage tech entrepreneurs who are building scalable, technology-enabled businesses, with those that have the potential to “transform entire industries and make a difference in the world”.
After a competitive round of pitches from the particpants, NanoPalm was selected as this year’s national winner at final pitch event held at KPMG’s Riyadh headquarters.
NanoPalm is a biotech startup pioneering in vivo gene therapy with an advanced lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform. Its proprietary manufacturing process produces stable, programmable LNPs that self-target organs and cells, overcoming key limitations of current delivery technologies.
The judging panel praised NanoPalm for its innovative approach and use of AI technology, its potential impact on healthcare and ability to scale globally.
Aljohara Ababtain, Senior Deep NanoTech Researcher at NanoPalm delivered the winning pitch and commented: “At NanoPalm, we’re building the future of gene therapy: programmable, accessible, and born from Vision 2030’s biotech ambition. Our AI platform powers fast and safe drug delivery systems to transform the future of medicine. From deep tech to real cures, this is how we shape what’s next.”
NanoPalm will now go on to compete against other country winners at the KPMG Global Tech Innovator Finals, set to take place in Lisbon, Portugal, this November.
The other eight finalists were AILA, Digital Petroleum, Lisan, Mirai Solar, Plastus, Saher Flow Solutions, SARsatX, and Sparklehaze. They were evaluated across six areas, including disruption and innovation, market potential, customer adoption, market traction and marketing, long-term potential, and pitch quality.
“We are proud of all finalists for their pitches and their drive to make an impact and address real-world challenges. Best of luck to the NanoPalm team in representing the Kingdom at the global finals,” said Samer Abdallah, Head of ICT Sector at KPMG in the Middle East.
Global crown
Last year, the global KPMG competition was won by Thermalytica from Japan, recognized for its advanced thermal insulation technology. The first runner-up was Gelatex, a developer of biotechnology-focused nanofiber applications from Estonia, while the second runner-up was FluxGen, a digitized water management innovation from India.
