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Royal Leadership and Women’s Empowerment: Bridging Saudi-French Innovation Ecosystem
As the Kingdom continues to advance its vision of transformation, few stories capture the spirit of Saudi Arabia’s progress as powerfully as this one. This feature celebrates a partnership that brings together royal leadership and remarkable women’s innovation, as Saudi Bridge and Nest Accelerator unite Saudi Arabia and France to shape the future of global innovation.
It brings together HRH Prince Fahad bin Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the driving force behind Saudi Bridge, and Lamia Hanafi, the visionary founder of Nest Accelerator. Together, they are not only building business bridges but shaping the narrative of a Kingdom that looks confidently toward the future.
Nest Accelerator × Monsha’at: Empowering Saudi Startups in Europe and Africa
Nest Accelerator and Monsha’at join forces to support Saudi startups in expanding into European and African markets, creating new opportunities for international collaboration, market access, and sustainable growth. This partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and advances its vision of becoming a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Launch of the First Saudi–French Edition of the Global Women Leaders Innovation Forum, in Riyadh
The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) and Nest Accelerator have launched the GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERS INNOVATION FORUM – Saudi French Edition in Riyadh with the strategic support of the G100 Women Economic Forum, on 7 October at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.
The event aimed to promote female leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Saudi Arabia and France, aligning with the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to empower women as key drivers of economic diversification and social transformation.
International Innovation Roadshow at Station F, the World’s Largest Startup Campus
Nest Accelerator organized an international innovation visit for a delegation of the Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS) at STATION F, the world’s largest startup campus.
The visit brought together Saudi business representatives and members of the French innovation ecosystem, offering opportunities to discover innovative startups, exchange insights, and explore potential cross-border collaborations.
Through this initiative, Nest Accelerator reinforced its commitment to connecting innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurs, and business leaders across France and Saudi Arabia.
Source: Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS) – Official LinkedIn publication, June 2025.
Cross-Border Innovation Talk at SAB (Saudi Awal Bank) Headquarters, Riyadh
Saudi Arabia as a Global Financial Innovator
Hosted at Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) Headquarters in Riyadh, Nest Accelerator contributed to SAB Talks, sharing insights on Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global financial innovation hub.
The discussion explored Vision 2030, FinTech transformation, and opportunities to strengthen cross-border innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships between Saudi Arabia, France, and international ecosystems.
Through this engagement, Nest Accelerator reinforced its commitment to connecting global innovation ecosystems and fostering international collaboration.
Global Leadership at the Women Economic Forum – Australia 2025
As President of Startup Ecosystem & Innovation at the G100 Women Economic Forum, Lamia Hanafi, Founder & CEO of Nest Accelerator, was featured in the Women Economic Forum Australia 2025.
This international platform brings together women leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers to advance women’s economic empowerment, innovation and global collaboration.
Through this global engagement, Nest Accelerator reinforces its commitment to connecting entrepreneurial ecosystems and championing women-led innovation across borders.
Empowering Future Entrepreneurs at the World's Largest Women's University – Princess Nourah University,Riyadh
As part of the Next Gen Retail Challenge Bootcamp at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) in Riyadh, Lamia Hanafi, Founder & CEO of Nest Accelerator, delivered a masterclass on “How to Build and Present a Successful Pitch Deck” on January 22, 2026.
The session equipped aspiring women entrepreneurs with practical tools to structure compelling business presentations, communicate their value propositions and confidently pitch their innovative ideas.
Hosted at one of the world’s leading women’s universities, the initiative reflects Nest Accelerator’s commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and strengthening innovation and entrepreneurial talent in Saudi Arabia.
Unlocking Alternative Funding in Emerging Markets | Fluidity Riyadh 2025
In September 2025, Lamia Hanafi, Founder & CEO of Nest Accelerator, joined international business leaders and financial experts as a speaker at Fluidity by Njoku in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
During the panel discussion “Unlocking Alternative Funding in Emerging Markets,” she shared perspectives on access to capital, alternative financing solutions and the opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs across emerging economies.
This international engagement reflects Nest Accelerator’s commitment to strengthening cross-border innovation ecosystems, connecting entrepreneurs with global opportunities and fostering collaboration between Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Private Capital Forum 2025 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Nest Accelerator participated in the Private Capital Forum (PCF 2025) in Riyadh, engaging with international leaders in venture capital, investment and entrepreneurship.
The forum provided an opportunity to strengthen connections across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, fostering dialogue on cross-border investment, innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
World Woman Davos Agenda 2026 | Global Leadership & Innovation
Lamia Hanafi, Founder & CEO of Nest Accelerator, was selected as a delegate for the World Woman Davos Agenda 2026, joining an international platform dedicated to advancing women’s leadership, innovation and economic empowerment.
Her participation reflects a commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration and strengthening the role of women entrepreneurs in the global innovation ecosystem
