KPMG has named NanoPalm as the winner of its Global Tech Innovator competition in Saudi Arabia, positioning the biotech startup to represent the Kingdom at the global finals in Lisbon, Portugal, this November.
Now in its fifth year, the Global Tech Innovator competition celebrates ambitious technology ventures across more than 20 countries. The Saudi edition, held at KPMG’s Riyadh headquarters, featured pitches from nine finalists, with NanoPalm emerging as the national winner.
NanoPalm specializes in pioneering in vivo gene therapy through its advanced lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform. Its proprietary, programmable LNPs are designed to self-target organs and cells, addressing critical limitations in existing drug delivery technologies. Judges highlighted the startup’s innovative approach, integration of AI, potential healthcare impact, and scalability on a global level.
Delivering the winning pitch, Aljohara Ababtain, Senior Deep NanoTech Researcher at NanoPalm, said: “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.”
The judging panel evaluated entries on disruption, innovation, market potential, customer adoption, traction, long-term promise, and pitch quality. Other finalists included AILA, Digital Petroleum, Lisan, Mirai Solar, Plastus, Saher Flow Solutions, SARsatX, and Sparklehaze.
Samer Abdallah, Head of ICT Sector at KPMG in the Middle East, congratulated all participants: “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.”
Last year, the global competition was won by Japan’s Thermalytica for its advanced thermal insulation technology, with Gelatex from Estonia and FluxGen from India as runners-up.
