The G20 CORDAP and the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on coral restoration education. The partnership aims to build capacity and enhance educational initiatives for coral restoration. Initial cooperation areas include education program development, learning program implementation, and knowledge sharing. Why it matters: This partnership leverages regional expertise to address a critical environmental issue, advancing coral restoration efforts through education and capacity building.
Saudi Arabia launched the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) Global Platform Foundation to accelerate coral reef research. The initiative was adopted by the G20 during Saudi Arabia's presidency in 2020, with headquarters at KAUST. Several leading Saudi entities signed letters of intent or MOUs to support the Foundation, which will serve as CORDAP's financial arm. Why it matters: This foundation strengthens Saudi Arabia's leadership in environmental research and development, particularly in addressing the critical issue of coral reef conservation.
KAUST is playing a central role in the G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) to protect and restore corals globally. KAUST co-organized a G20 workshop with the UN Global Fund for Coral Reefs in Indonesia in August 2022. The workshop aimed to deliver policy recommendations on coral conservation to G20 Environment Deputy Ministers. Why it matters: This initiative highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to addressing climate change and marine ecosystem preservation through international collaboration.
KAUST, CORDAP, and the E1 electric motorboat racing series are partnering to promote sustainable aquatic mobility. KAUST is collaborating with E1 to develop electric motorboat technologies, including next-generation batteries and foiling designs. CORDAP signed an MOU with Westbrook Racing to promote coral reef conservation, and KAUST scientists held panels at E1 events on marine sustainability. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights the potential of motorsports to drive technological advancements in marine sustainability and coral conservation, addressing critical environmental challenges in the region.
KAUST's Machinist Development Apprenticeship Program (MDAP) graduated its second cohort in August 2020, training Saudi nationals in advanced manufacturing technologies. The 18-month program provides in-depth training at the Workshops Core Lab in collaboration with Yanbu Industrial College. Graduates acquire skills to contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 in the manufacturing sector. Why it matters: This program addresses the need for skilled local talent in advanced manufacturing, crucial for diversifying the Saudi economy and achieving its Vision 2030 goals.
KAUST's Core Labs has launched a Machinist Apprenticeship Development Program. The program aims to train machinists. No further details about the program are provided in the announcement. Why it matters: This apprenticeship program could help develop skilled technical talent in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom's technology and manufacturing sectors.
KAUST students Daniya Boges and Dr. Corrado Calì developed an AR tool for medical applications, leading to the startup IntraVides. The project was supported by KAUST's Smart Health Initiative, which provided access to AR/VR facilities and seed funding through the KAUST Innovation Fund. The KAUST Entrepreneurship Center also helped incubate the idea from concept to business. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare through strategic investments in advanced technology and dedicated support programs.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) is partnering with Montena Technology to study high-altitude electromagnetic pulses and design infrastructure safeguards. DERC is also collaborating with Radaz to evaluate ground penetrating and synthetic aperture radars in Abu Dhabi, aiming to identify natural resources. Additionally, DERC and Université de Picardie Jules Verne are working on laser sources and sensors, with a DERC researcher spending four years in France. Why it matters: These partnerships enhance DERC's research capabilities in critical areas like infrastructure protection, resource exploration, and advanced sensing technologies.