What is the Dimensions Business Accelerator Program?

The DIMENSIONS Business Accelerator at Alfaisal University is a licensed incubation hub designed to help students and graduates transform ideas into real businesses. The program focuses on design thinking, entrepreneurship, and technology, guiding innovators from concept to launch.

Who can apply for the program?

Our studios offer different opportunities based on the applicant and the type of support needed:

• INVENT Design Thinking Studio: Open to Alfaisal University students and graduates, working professionals, and enterprises, offering services ranging from ideation and solution development to Design Thinking consulting.
• SPARKTANK Incubation Studio: The team leader must be an Alfaisal University student or graduate, while other team members may be from outside the university.
• IMAGINARIUM Toy & Game Prototyping Studio: Primarily available to Alfaisal University students interested in developing and prototyping toys, games, and related concepts.

What kind of support will I receive?

Participants gain access to:

• Expert mentorship and coaching from faculty and industry professionals
• Cutting-edge prototyping labs and facilities
• Seed funding opportunities for high-potential projects
• Workshops in entrepreneurship, design thinking, and emerging technologies
• A strong network of collaborators, investors, and partners in the Saudi innovation ecosystem

Is Dimensions a licensed incubation center?

Yes. DIMENSIONS at Alfaisal University is officially licensed by Monsha’at (License No. 1606), validating its role as a recognized business incubator in Saudi Arabia. See Monsha’at validation page.

Can I visit the campus before applying?

Yes. We would be happy to arrange a campus tour before you apply. Let us know your preferred date, and our team will coordinate the visit with you.

For inquiries and tour arrangements, please email us at Dimensions@alfaisal.edu.

What is the INVENT Studio?

INVENT is a design thinking and innovation studio focused on developing creative problem-solving skills and fostering innovation. INVENT is the preincubation phase or the first stage in the innovation process.

How can INVENT help me with my project?

INVENT is a hub for empowering creativity and problem solving. This Studio helps you turn challenges and ideas into practical, user-centered solutions. Whether you are exploring an early idea, developing a new product or service, or looking to solve a business challenge, INVENT provides Design Thinking workshops, mentoring, ideation sessions, prototyping, and consulting support.

What resources are available in INVENT?

INVENT offers tools for rapid prototyping, workshops in design thinking methodologies, and collaboration spaces.

What is SparkTank?

SparkTank is a startup business studio that helps students turn their ideas into scalable startups through business development and incubation.

Who can apply for the program?

SparkTank supports Alfaisal University students and graduates (The team leader must be an Alfaisal University student or graduate, while other team members may be from outside the university), as well as professionals with commercially registered startups, subject to evaluation.

How long is the program?

The duration varies depending on the project, but incubation periods last up to 12 months.

What types of projects are accepted for SparkTank?

DIMENSIONS accepts student-led startups and projects across high-impact domains, including:

• Tech & Industry 5.0: Human/Robot Collaboration, Cognitive Systems, Customization
• Healthcare & Medicine
• Business & Economic Development
• Human Capital & Learning

Projects outside these domains may still join our bootcamps and incubator services if space is available. However, tailored one-on-one expert coaching is reserved for startups within the core focus areas.

What kind of support will I receive in the program?

Students receive mentorship, access to expert guidance, prototyping facilities, seed funding opportunities, and workshops in entrepreneurship, technology, and design thinking.

Can I start my own business through SparkTank?

Yes, SparkTank supports students in launching their own businesses, offering incubation services, mentorship, and access to networking and funding opportunities.

How do I apply to be incubated in SparkTank?

Alfaisal University students and graduates: Students and graduates can apply through the Annual INNOVATHON, where projects are evaluated for selection into SPARKTANK. The deadline will be as posted in each year's call for participation.

Professionals: MVP-level startups with a valid commercial registration may apply directly through the SPARKTANK application form. Applications are subject to evaluation to determine eligibility and suitability for the program.

How many team members can I have for my project?

Up to 4 members are allowed, but exceptions may be granted by the director for larger teams.

Will courses or mentors be provided?

SparkTank is proud to have a partnership with Monsha’at where courses are not only provided through them, but is mandatory to take. You will get a chance to be mentored throughout your project at certain timelines, and any inquiries you require of the mentor you will receive immediately.

Where can I work on my project?

SparkTank has its own dedicated studio space, fully equipped with everything our incubatees need — including meeting rooms, desks, and soundproof pods for private discussions.

Can I add new members to my team mid-project?

It is advised that your team is assembled before you begin the project, but SparkTank’s director has the final say.

What is the Imaginarium Studio?

Imaginarium is a creative studio for developing physical toys and games, fostering creativity, and encouraging students to experiment with play-based learning and design.

What types of projects are supported in Imaginarium?

Imaginarium supports the development of toys, educational games, and innovative play-based learning tools.

Can I use Imaginarium’s resources if I’m not working on a game/toy-related project?

While Imaginarium is focused on toys and games, we encourage collaboration with other projects that benefit from creative design and innovation techniques.

What are the expected outcomes of participating in the program?

By the end of the program, students are expected to have a fully developed project, whether that’s a prototype, a startup ready for launch, or a finished game or toy.

Can I collaborate with other students in different studios?

Absolutely, collaboration between INVENT, SparkTank, and Imaginarium is encouraged to foster interdisciplinary innovation.