KAUST's Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) held its 16th Industry Advisory Board meeting, adding the Ministry of Health, GADD, KFSRC, and NEOM as new members. Since 2009, KICP has enabled $250 million in research funding and provided $138 million in consultancy services, hiring 426 KAUST students. KICP also announced a new three-year agreement with KACARE to expand joint research in energy, sustainability, and advanced systems and research projects with GADD. Why it matters: The expansion of KICP underscores KAUST's role in aligning research with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry.
The General Authority for Defense Development (GADD) has joined KAUST's Industrial Collaboration Program to boost research and innovation in defense. This membership facilitates access to KAUST's research ecosystem, including scientists, labs, technologies, and IP. GADD aims to strengthen partnerships with national universities and bridge the gap between academia and military industries. Why it matters: The partnership signifies a strategic push to advance Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities through local research and development, aligning with broader goals of technological self-sufficiency.
MBZUAI graduates Dhanalaxmi Gaddam and Abbas Bamidele Abdulsalam won DP World’s Big Tech Project with a metaverse-based solution for logistics. Their winning solution uses VR/AR to enhance training and productivity at DP World's ports. They will receive master’s degrees from MBZUAI and commence a paid internship with DP World. Why it matters: The project highlights the growing role of AI and metaverse applications in optimizing logistics and trade across the GCC, which Strategy& projects could contribute $15 billion annually to GCC economies by 2030.