Space Tech isn’t just about exploring space —  Saudi Arabia knows that and is building the future on it. 

In this episode, Khalid AlMahfouz breaks down why space tech is becoming the Kingdom’s next major infrastructure play — not for rockets, but for real-world innovation across climate, health, AI, and national security. 

From launching one of the first incubators in the Eastern Province to investing deep tech and space startups as an angel investor. Khalid has been shaping Saudi’s innovation ecosystem from the ground up. 

What you’ll learn in this episode: 
⏵ How space tech is more than rockets — and why it matters 
⏵  Deep tech vs shallow tech — and why the stakes are higher 
⏵ How satellite data will power the next wave of digital transformation 
⏵ The rise of deep tech in Saudi and the Eastern Province 
⏵ The real opportunities in downstream space tech 
⏵ What it takes to build founders and ecosystems 

This episode is hosted by Albara Nabil Alqurashi –  the community manager at Dhahran Techno Valley. 

____ 

► Khalid Almahfouz – Angel Investor & Space Tech Expert 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyalmahfouz/  

► Albara Nabil Alqurashi – Dhahran Techno Valley 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/albara-nabil-alqurashi-11470a38/  

In collaboration with Dhahran Techno Valley 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dhahran-techno-valley-dtv/  

____ 

00:00 – Trailer 
 01:15 – Introduction 
 01:40 – How the Eastern Province Has Changed 
 02:38 – Childhood Curiosity and the Path to Tech 
 03:40 – Launching the BADIR Tech Incubator 
 05:52 – The Different Lessons from Working with Aramco, Government, and Startups 
 06:55 – Becoming an Angel Investor 
 08:40 – Why He’s Not a Founder 
 10:40 – The Founder’s Biggest Enemy Is Pride 
 12:45 – What Deep Tech Really Means 
 15:47 – Who’s Investing in Deep Tech in Saudi 
 17:02 – Why Deep Tech Needs a Different Framework 
 18:32 – Comparing Riyadh and the Eastern Province 
 20:25 – Building Deep Tech Communities That Matter 
 22:38 – What Space Tech Really Is (and Isn’t) 
 26:38 – Real Opportunities in Space Tech in Saudi Arabia 
 27:58 – Investing in Space Tech: Risks and Rewards 
 30:05 – Saudi’s Growing Talent in Space Tech 
 31:55 – Cross-Industry Opportunities: AI, Biotech, Health 
 35:05 – The Next 5–10 Years of Saudi Space Tech 
 36:40 – Hopes for the Eastern Province Ecosystem 
 37:55 – What Success Looks Like for a Space Tech Founder 
 38:55 – Final Advice for Founders 

____ 

Follow for more inspiring founder stories.  

📍 Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBigThing_Media 

📍Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextbigthing_media/  

📍 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/nextbigthing-media/  

📍 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4EfovpJ856I6b8RRzb0PJS?si=a5546ecd9ddb4dec  

📍 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-big-thing/id1707012952