Aramco has signed an MoU with KAUST, pledging to fund up to $100 million in R&D projects over the next 10 years. The collaboration will focus on areas like energy transition, sustainability, materials transition, upstream technologies, and digital solutions. Specific research areas include liquids-to-chemicals conversion, low-carbon aviation fuels, hydrogen, and carbon capture. Why it matters: This major investment will accelerate innovation in critical areas like sustainable energy and materials science, aligning Saudi Arabia's research priorities with its economic diversification goals.
Aramco, Honeywell, and KAUST have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to co-develop a next-generation direct Crude-to-Chemicals (CTC) technology. The collaboration aims to develop and scale up the full CTC process, reducing capital and operating costs. The new CTC pathway is designed to convert crude oil directly into light olefins and other high-demand chemicals. Why it matters: This partnership signifies a major push for Saudi Arabia to lead in downstream innovation, aligning with Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and strengthen its position in the petrochemicals industry.
KAUST researchers have developed deepBlastoid, a deep learning tool for evaluating models of human embryo development, called blastoids. deepBlastoid can evaluate images of blastoids at speeds 1000 times faster than expert scientists, processing 273 images per second. Trained on over 2000 microscopic blastoid images, it assesses the impact of chemicals on blastoid development using over 10,000 images. Why it matters: This AI tool accelerates research into early pregnancy, fertility complications, and the impact of chemicals on embryo development, with implications for reproductive technologies.
KAUST and Aramco have developed a one-step crude-to-chemicals (C2C) technology that converts crude oil to light olefins in a single-reactor system. The technology, published in Nature Catalysis, aims to maximize the production of materials used in daily life over fuels. Aramco is pursuing growth opportunities in petrochemicals using the C2C method. Why it matters: The C2C breakthrough aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and could reduce the carbon footprint associated with oil use, creating jobs and supporting a thriving economy.
KAUST, Saudi Aramco, and the Ministry of Energy convened the Crude Oil to Chemicals Innovative Technologies Conference on October 23-25. The conference focused on catalysts, process optimization, and fundamental approaches for oil-to-chemicals conversion. KAUST also signed an MOU with Saudi Aramco, the Ministry of Energy, and the Oil Sustainability Program to develop relevant technologies. Why it matters: This initiative signals a move towards more sustainable hydrocarbon use and the development of advanced materials in the Kingdom.
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 Uvera, founded by KAUST alumna Asrar Damdam, received a CES 2023 Innovation Award for Aurora, an AIoT device that extends the shelf life of fresh foods by up to 97% without chemicals. Aurora uses an AI-powered app to track food inventory, predict spoilage, and notify users. Uvera's mission is to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, aligning with UN goals for human security. Why it matters: This award highlights the potential of AIoT solutions developed in the region to address global challenges like food waste and sustainability.
KAUST Ph.D. student Mohammed Al-Alouni is researching the conversion of crude oil to petrochemicals, working in the Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center and the Catalysis Center under Professor Yu Han. His work focuses on converting simple molecules into more complex and economically viable ones, inspired by the scientific approach of Jabir ibn Hayyan. Al-Alouni previously worked at Saudi Aramco and graduated from KFUPM with a bachelor's degree in 2014. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering advanced research in petrochemicals and materials science, crucial for Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts.