heading2
heading3
Speakers
200+
heading2
heading3
Exhibitors
300+
heading2
heading3
Investors
200+
heading2
heading3
Startups
150+
Opportunities for Startups
When you bring your startup to LEAP East, you’ll gain access to:
- Founder Growth & Readiness Lab: Scale faster with high intensity bootcamps designed to unlock your next stage of growth and master the path to securing funding.
- Power Hours & Ecosystem Xchange: Access a private, curated platform hosting closed-door sessions and side events led by global leaders to facilitate deep-dive discussions and direct engagement with key partners.
- Curated Matchmaking: Gain direct access to a private network of global investors and industry leaders through high-impact, 1:1 curated meetings by our dedicated matchmaking team to accelerate your fundraising and partnership goals.
- Global Soft-Landing: Secure a strategic gateway to the world’s most dynamic growth markets with dedicated support and resources from our regional ecosystem partners across Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong.
- Rocket Fuel East - Pitch your startup in front of an audience of investors and potential clients and compete for an equity-free cash prize that will transform your business.
- Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Build high-value connections beyond the exhibition floor through an invite-only evening dinners and curated networking events.
heading 2
Rocket Fuel EAST:
25 Founders. No Equity. No Limits.
Rocket Fuel EAST. Ignite here. Scale everywhere.
Applications open – startup application is the only entry point. All founders must participate in the Startup and Scaleup Program in order to qualify. Be quick! Shortlisting for Rocket Fuel closes in May, so we encourage thorough and timely submissions.
Stage & Layout:
- DeepFest Stage Day 1 and Day 2: 8-9th July, 2026
- Main Stage Day 3: 10th July, 2026
Out of the 150+ startups exhibiting at LEAP East, only the top 25 will be shortlisted.
8 startups will go through to the final, on the Main Stage on Day 4, in front of a panel of 3 judges with 1 founder being named overall LEAP East Award Winner.
Submission does not guarantee selection to the pitch competition. Deadline to be eligible to pitch is May 20th, 2026.
Please note that all applications to the Startup and Scaleup Program are highly confidential and strictly adhere to the Tahaluf data and privacy policies. For more information on Tahaluf's privacy policy please see here.
heading 2