KAUST startup Wayakit has inaugurated its first production pilot plant in Saudi Arabia, with a capacity of up to 20,000 liters of cleaning and disinfection bio-formulations per day. The plant aims to satisfy national demand for cleaning and disinfection products. Wayakit's products tackle the transmission of communicable diseases, contributing to both the national economy and the health of citizens. Why it matters: This pilot plant supports Saudi Vision 2030's National Industrial Strategy by building a sustainable facility for environmentally friendly cleaning products.
KAUST spinout WAYAKIT has partnered with Saudi Ground Services (SGS) to provide sustainable cleaning solutions for the airline industry across two dozen airports. WAYAKIT's biotechnology solutions develop non-toxic cleaning disinfectants. SGS shifted to WAYAKIT's solution, increasing cleaning efficiency, saving operational costs, and decreasing exposure to toxic chemicals. Why it matters: This highlights the potential for KAUST spinouts to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative by developing eco-friendly and effective products.
KAUST startup Wayakit has partnered with Swissport International AG to provide its disinfecting products at Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh airports. Wayakit's antiviral formulation eliminates 99.999% of bacteria, viruses, and the SARS-CoV-2 strain in 30 seconds. Swissport will use Wayakit to disinfect aircraft and buses, helping to curb the spread of COVID-19 and restore passenger confidence. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the growth of the Saudi startup ecosystem and KAUST's role in fostering innovation and supporting local entrepreneurs in developing advanced biotechnological solutions for critical challenges.
KAUST Ph.D. students Sandra Medina and Luisa Javier created WAYAKIT, a compact, organic, and portable multi-cleaner and odor remover for travelers. Their biotechnology-based startup, WAYAK Group, aims to transform the laundry industry with affordable, low-resource solutions. WAYAKIT uses biotechnology to degrade odor-causing molecules and solubilize stains. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's entrepreneurial environment and the potential for scientific research to address practical, everyday challenges with sustainable solutions.
The 2018 TAQADAM Accelerator Showcase, a partnership between KAUST and SABB, awarded SAR 2.25 million in follow-on funding to winning startups. 24 startup graduates from 11 universities in Saudi Arabia participated, each having received SAR 75,000 in initial grant funding. Winning startups included Wayakit, with an instant laundry spray, and EDAMA Organic Solutions, focused on converting organic waste into soil conditioners. Why it matters: This accelerator program highlights the growing focus on deep tech innovation and entrepreneurship within Saudi Arabia's research and business ecosystems.