KAUST, in partnership with MCIT and Hello Tomorrow, has released a report outlining a roadmap for Saudi Arabia to become a global deep tech hub. The report focuses on five pillars: ecosystem, investment, talent, infrastructure, and policy, highlighting the role of R&D in achieving Vision 2030. Deep tech startups in Saudi Arabia raised over $100 million between 2020 and 2022, with a 75% increase in deep tech researchers since 2015. Why it matters: This signals Saudi Arabia's increasing commitment to fostering a local deep tech ecosystem and attracting investment in advanced technologies.
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.
The third cohort of the NextEra startup bootcamp at KAUST has concluded, featuring 16 Saudi deep tech startups. The bootcamp, a collaboration between KAUST and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), focuses on transforming industries aligned with Saudi Arabia's national R&D priorities. Participating startups span sectors like EdTech (Bites), cybersecurity (Nua), and healthcare (Haven Scientific, HistoApp, Labayh). Why it matters: The NextEra program is fostering a local deep tech ecosystem, driving innovation and investment in areas critical to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.
The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) and KAUST hosted 20 Saudi startups at the 'NextEra' startup bootcamp, focusing on launching deep tech products. These startups specialize in fields like Generative AI, SpaceTech, and Green Tech. The KAUST-NTDP partnership aims to advance Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation goals by cultivating impactful startups. Why it matters: This initiative supports the growth of Saudi Arabia's deep tech sector, fostering innovation and aligning with the Kingdom's broader economic transformation objectives.
KAUST has joined the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (VCPEA) to support the Kingdom's deep tech startup ecosystem. The partnership will allow KAUST Innovation Ventures to further support early-stage startups. In 2020, Saudi startups saw a 55% increase in venture capital funding, reaching $152 million. Why it matters: This collaboration aims to connect KAUST's research and innovation with VCPEA's investment network, fostering the growth of Saudi Arabia's deep tech sector in line with Vision 2030.
Technology Innovation Institute's (TII) Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) is integrating machine learning (ML) techniques into signal processing to accelerate research. One project used convolutional neural networks to predict COVID-19 pneumonia from chest x-rays with 97.5% accuracy. DERC researchers also demonstrated that ML-based signal and image processing can retrieve up to 68% of text information from electromagnetic emanations. Why it matters: This adoption of ML for signal processing at TII highlights the potential for advanced AI techniques to enhance research and security applications in the UAE.
KAUST and the International Venture Club are seeking tech companies in the Middle East and Europe for investment and expansion opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The Arabian Tech Tour, held in Jeddah and Riyadh in November 2015, will showcase 25 emerging companies from the region and 25 growth companies from Europe. Selected companies will present to VCs, corporations, and business angels. Why it matters: This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Science, Technology and Innovation Plan to create a knowledge-based economy and foster innovation, particularly in cleantech.