KAUST's Destination Deep Tech program has concluded with five international startups—CeEntek, Hopu, Insignes-Labs, Pasqal, and Proteinea—expanding into the MENA region. These startups, chosen for their advanced technologies, address societal challenges like food security, climate change, and health. Pasqal signed an MoU with Aramco and is collaborating with KAUST's Extreme Computing Research Center, while Insignes-Labs is piloting with Red Sea Farms. Why it matters: This program exemplifies KAUST's commitment to fostering a deep tech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, attracting global talent to align with Vision 2030 and tackle critical regional and global challenges.
Five KAUST startups, graduates of programs like TAQADAM and 9/10ths Accelerator, each secured $50,000 at the Misk Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC). Sadeem CEO Mustafa Mousa highlighted KAUST's role in supporting their flood-safety technology venture. KAUST will host a bootcamp for the finalists in preparation for the EWC Global Finals in Riyadh. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's increasing role in fostering deep-tech entrepreneurship and supporting Saudi Arabia's innovation ecosystem.
KAUST PhD student Amal Aboulhassan founded MaterialSolved, a startup created with support from the KAUST New Ventures Accelerator. The startup's focus area is not specified in the provided text. Why it matters: KAUST's efforts to translate research into startups highlights the increasing focus on commercializing academic innovation within the Kingdom.
Three KAUST startups, iyris, Oaesis, and UnitX, were selected in the top 10 at the Startup Istanbul international competition out of 90,000 applicants. iyris secured third place with its technology, while Oaesis developed a laser-based energy-efficient lighting system for indoor farms. KAUST supports emerging companies from ideation to marketing and financial support. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's role in fostering innovation and contributing to Saudi Arabia's knowledge-based economy by supporting promising startups on the global stage.
KAUST celebrated the first graduating class from its New Ventures Accelerator startup program on February 18. Seven teams completed the six-month mentor-led program, presenting ideas ranging from bioinformatics to customer relationship management. Material Solved, a KAUST IP-based startup using visualization software for materials science, won the best pitch award. Why it matters: The program fosters entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, creating job opportunities and contributing to the Kingdom's economy.