Nexus Technology & Startup Summit 2026

Nexus is Kuwait's technology and startup summit, run by Kuwait Zones at The Arena and Grand Hyatt in the 360 Kuwait complex. Over three days it combines an innovation and startup exhibition, a pitch competition for Kuwaiti tech founders, investor meetings and a conference programme on AI, fintech, smart cities and startup scaling, bringing tech leaders, startups, investors and digital policymakers together.

Innovation & Startup Exhibition

More than 80 companies show their latest products, prototypes and digital services, with live demos across AI, robotics, fintech and climate tech, alongside a dedicated area for leading tech startups.

Nexus Startup Challenge and Startup Hub

Tech founders and early-stage startups apply to a challenge that runs from a bootcamp and mentorship phase to a final pitch in front of investors, VCs and ecosystem leaders. In the first edition more than 385 startups applied, 35 were shortlisted and six winners shared US$100,000.

• Bootcamp and mentorship to refine business models
• Coaching on pitch, business plan and presentation
• Thirty startups selected for the Startup Hub
• KD 30,000 in cash prizes for the 2026 edition

Conference, workshops and investors

Keynotes and workshops from MENA innovation leaders and local pioneers, plus one-to-one sessions with more than 20 investors from Kuwait and the Middle East who are looking to mentor and back Kuwaiti tech founders.

• Artificial intelligence and data ethics
• Digital payments and fintech
• Smart cities, sustainability and cybersecurity
• Startup scaling, fundraising and policy
• Practical workshops from building an MVP to investment decks