Regulatory Sandbox Program

The MEWA Regulatory Sandbox

Empowering Innovation and Innovators in the Environment, Water and Agriculture Sectors

Apply before July 30, 2026 Apply

About the MEWA Regulatory Sandbox

The MEWA Regulatory Sandbox is a tool to enable faster deployment of innovative technologies within EWA sector through bridging the gap between regulators and innovators

For more information, please contact the initiative's email address. MRS@mewa.gov.sa

Objectives of the MEWA Regulatory Sandbox

Address regulatory barriers facing innovators

Enable a regulatory environment adaptive to innovation trends & disruptions

Who should apply?

Innovators & Entrepreneurs

Startups & SMEs

Established Companies

Academic & Research Institutions

Eligibility Criteria

The MEWA Regulatory Sandbox welcomes all innovators that meet the following criteria

Innovative Solutions

Innovative solutions in the environment, water, and agriculture sectors that are not yet deployed in KSA

Relevance to Sectoral Objectives

Solutions that address key sectoral needs in KSA aligned with sectoral focus areas

Economic and Social Contribution

Solutions that offer clear economic and social contributions to the KSA economy

Consumer Benefit

Solutions that deliver consumer benefits such as improved access to products, enhanced affordability, etc

Clarity on Regulatory Barriers

Innovators that have clear and defined regulatory barriers applicable to the MEWA regulatory sandbox

Solutions Readiness

Mature solutions that are fully developed and ready for deployment

Process

The MEWA Regulatory Sandbox follows a streamlined process that guides innovation from application to deployment

Application

Initial Screening (30 Business Days)

Innovators submit proposals detailing their solution, objectives, and the regulatory challenges they aim to address

Evaluation

Evaluation (90 Business Days)

Eligible applications undergo a thorough evaluation to assess alignment with sandbox criteria and objectives

Testing

Pilot Testing (6 Months – 2 Years)

If required, innovators are expected to trial their solutions in a controlled environment with regulatory oversight

Completion

Program Completion

Following evaluation and testing, necessary regulatory actions are undertaken to support solution deployment

Apply Now

Environment

Apply

Water

Apply

Agriculture

Apply

Apply before July 30, 2026

Latest News and Articles

Social media

Article

Frequently Asked Questions About the Regulatory Sandbox Program

Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Regulatory Sandbox Program, helping you understand the application process, eligibility criteria, and evaluation procedures.

The Regulatory Sandbox is a program that enables innovative solutions and new technologies to be tested in a controlled regulatory environment for a specified period, with the aim of assessing their impact and supporting the development of relevant regulatory frameworks.

Startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large companies, research institutions, and local or international organizations with innovative solutions related to the Ministry's sectors are eligible to apply.

Innovations that introduce new solutions, business models, or technologies in the fields of environment, water, agriculture, or food security, and that face regulatory barriers preventing their testing or implementation.

Applicants are encouraged to have a prototype or a testable product, as the Regulatory Sandbox is designed to evaluate practical solutions rather than theoretical concepts.

A regulatory barrier refers to an existing law, regulation, requirement, or the absence of an appropriate regulatory framework that prevents or limits the testing or implementation of the proposed innovation.

No. Acceptance into the Regulatory Sandbox does not include financial support or funding. The program's purpose is to facilitate innovation testing and address associated regulatory challenges.

No. Acceptance allows the innovation to undergo a pilot test under specific conditions. The results of the pilot will be evaluated before any future regulatory decisions are made.

The evaluation period varies depending on the nature of the innovation and the complexity of the regulatory case. Applicants will be notified throughout the evaluation process and kept informed of any updates.

Yes. All submitted information is handled in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures and is used solely for evaluating the application and assessing the relevant regulatory case.

Your application will be reviewed to ensure it meets the submission requirements. The innovation, regulatory barrier, and potential feasibility of testing will then be assessed. You may be contacted to provide additional information before a final decision is made.

Please tell us why. (You can select multiple options)

It was helpful

The answers were relevant

It was well written

The layout made it easy to read

I'm

Male

Female

Comment

For more information you may review
e-participation statement
and rules of engagement.

The number of choices must be 2 or less. and choose male or female

It was poorly written

I could not find a relevant answer

There was a technical problem

The layout made it difficult to read

Did you benefit from the information provided on this page?

Please tell us why. (You can select multiple options)

Please tell us why. (You can select multiple options)

Cookies Policy

What is the Regulatory Sandbox?

Who can apply?

What types of innovations are eligible?

Do I need a ready product, or can I apply with an idea only?

What is a regulatory barrier?

Does the program provide financial support or funding?

Does acceptance into the Regulatory Sandbox guarantee a permanent license?

How long does the evaluation and approval process take?

Will my submitted information remain confidential?

What happens after I submit my application?

Did you benefit from the information provided on this page?

Please tell us why. (You can select multiple options)

Please tell us why. (You can select multiple options)

Cookies Policy