KAUST recently concluded a two-week interactive course called "Entrepreneurship for All," developed by Stanford University faculty. The course teaches leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation through design thinking, and is the first of its kind in a Saudi Arabian higher education institution. Students learn to apply design thinking to generate prototypes and market-ready products, as well as negotiation and networking skills. Why it matters: The course supports Saudi Vision 2030's objectives to increase entrepreneurship and create new companies in high-value sectors, contributing to the Kingdom's innovation ecosystem.
KAUST has launched its first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled "Entrepreneurship Adventures" on edX, starting July 4, 2021. The gamified masterclass is the first entrepreneurship course in Arabic on the edX platform. It features industry experts like Amin Al-Nasser (Saudi Aramco) and Lubna Olayan (Saudi British Bank). Why it matters: The course aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, addressing the increasing demand for entrepreneurship education and supporting the Kingdom's startup ecosystem.
KAUST's first Arabic MOOC, Entrepreneurship Adventures, on edX.org saw 17,000 learners attend the 10-week course, with 81% from Saudi Arabia. The free online course, developed by KAUST's Entrepreneurship Center, aims to provide fundamentals of entrepreneurship in Arabic. A survey showed that 74% of participants felt confident to join a startup and 60% would pursue entrepreneurship. Why it matters: This initiative helps break down barriers to entry for young Saudi entrepreneurs, fostering local talent and contributing to the Kingdom's economic diversification goals.
KAUST's Entrepreneurship Center ran several programs during the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) to promote an innovation culture within the university and in the wider ecosystem. The programs included Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) in the Desert, covering modern business practices, and the Accelerated Lean Launchpad. ICE featured classes on social entrepreneurship and starting community-oriented businesses. Why it matters: These programs aim to equip KAUST students with business skills to translate their research into impactful ventures, contributing to Saudi Arabia's innovation ecosystem.
KAUST has launched a master’s degree program in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE), a 16-month program designed to transform research innovation into commercially viable products and services. The program includes training in AI/ML, robotics, design thinking, and entrepreneurship, plus a six-month stay in Shenzhen, China. The inaugural TIE cohort will consist of 30 students, including 18 Saudi nationals, and will study at the Suliman Olayan Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Why it matters: The program aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry and drive Saudi Arabia's economic diversification and innovation agenda in line with Vision 2030.