Monitoring Desk
Saudi Arabia has launched a bold new global initiative, “Exponeur,” from its pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s efforts to empower entrepreneurship and foster international collaboration in innovation and investment.
Launched under the Vision Leadership Association and in partnership with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the Exponeur initiative seeks to connect entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors worldwide by leveraging the Expo’s global platform. The initiative is sponsored by SBI Holdings Japan, which is supporting the first edition of its training programs and activities during the Osaka Expo.
Exponeur will span five years, from Expo Osaka 2025 to Expo Riyadh 2030, and aspires to become the first Expo pavilion in history fully dedicated to the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The initiative aims to tackle global challenges through innovation by offering training, highlighting pioneering projects, and creating tangible impact to be showcased at each Expo edition—culminating in the Kingdom’s own hosting of Expo 2030 in Riyadh.
Key components of the Exponeur initiative include:
Exponeur Academy: A six-month global training program that will train 150 entrepreneurs annually from over 20 countries, offering mentorship, investment readiness, and pitch opportunities to venture capitalists.
Exponeur Competitions and Challenges: A five-year program aligned with each Expo’s theme, progressing from regional to global stages and culminating in a showcase of top projects at the Riyadh 2030 pavilion.
Annual Exponeur Event: To be held in Riyadh, this event will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities, and partnership-building initiatives.
Entrepreneurship Development Fund: Designed to support startups and bridge financing gaps, particularly in developing countries.
Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Prince Fahad bin Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Vision Leadership Association and Head of the Saudi Startups Group at G20 (Startup20), said the Exponeur initiative reflects the Kingdom’s growing role in global economic development by building bridges between countries to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
“Exponeur is about enabling the next generation to create solutions, bridge funding gaps, and leverage global platforms for knowledge exchange,” said Prince Fahad.
Founder Mansour Al-Sa’nouni added that the initiative was first conceived during Saudi Arabia’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, born from the belief that entrepreneurs hold the key to addressing global challenges. “What began as an idea is now a full-fledged global movement to empower innovators from Expo Osaka to Expo Riyadh.”
