Startup Grind Muscat is thrilled to welcome Sara Sabry, the first Egyptian astronaut, the first Arab woman in space, and the first woman from the African continent to reach orbit, for an exclusive fireside chat. Sara’s extraordinary journey - from mechanical and biomedical engineer to astronaut and space entrepreneur - offers unique insights at the intersection of space exploration, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

As the founder and CEO of KORA TechLabs, Sara is developing AI-integrated biomedical technology for human health in extreme environments, with applications ranging from future space missions to underserved communities on Earth. She is also the founder and chair of Deep Space Initiative (DSI), a non-profit organization dedicated to broadening accessibility in the space field and enabling deep space exploration for all. Through her work, Sara demonstrates how space technology can drive innovation, address critical challenges, and create impact both in orbit and on the ground.

During this fireside chat, moderated by SG Muscat Co-Director Laura Cretney, Sara will share her personal journey to space, including her selection from over 4,000 applicants for the world’s first Citizen Astronaut program sponsored by Space for Humanity. She will discuss the lessons learned from experiencing the Overview Effect, the transformative perspective gained from seeing Earth from space, and how these insights inform her work as an entrepreneur and advocate for social impact.

Sara will also discuss the entrepreneurial trajectory of her career, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of building ventures in high-tech and space sectors. She will share insights on transitioning from engineering to entrepreneurship, leveraging AI and data-driven innovation, and scaling initiatives that create value for both commercial and humanitarian purposes. Her experience offers inspiration for founders looking to innovate at the frontier of technology while remaining grounded in purpose and social responsibility.

This session will take place during World Space Week, to celebrate the ongoing developments in Oman’s growing space and tech ecosystems. Participants will gain an insider’s perspective on the global space sector, the role of innovation in addressing critical societal challenges, and how entrepreneurs can contribute to building a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking ecosystem. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the world’s leading voices in space exploration, STEM leadership, and impact-driven entrepreneurship.