KAUST has been ranked No. 1 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings for the third consecutive year. The 2025 edition of the rankings evaluated universities across 20 key indicators, including global citation impact and industry collaboration. Sixteen of KAUST's faculty were named on the 2025 Clarivate highly cited list. Why it matters: This recognition reinforces KAUST’s position as a leading research university in the Arab world and reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing global competitiveness in research, innovation, and advanced education.
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.
KAUST's Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking $205 million in R&D funding from its members since 2009. The program connects KAUST with government entities and businesses to accelerate innovation, with 28 domestic and international organizations currently participating. KICP members have supported approximately 234 KAUST R&D projects since 2009, and hired 346 KAUST graduates. Why it matters: The KICP's success highlights the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in driving technological advancement and economic diversification in Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030.
KAUST held its 14th KAUST Industry Advisory Board (KIAB) meeting in Riyadh on December 11, 2023, marking the first time the meeting has taken place outside of KAUST. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally signed on as a new member of the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP). The meeting included talks about the future of KICP and round-table sessions on advancing goals in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. Why it matters: This signals a new era of alliances for KAUST in launching ambitions and deepening its impact within the Kingdom and beyond.
The KAUST Future Talent Conference, held alongside the Spring Career Fair, focused on preparing Saudi youth for the rapidly changing economy. Speakers emphasized KAUST's role in aligning education with Vision 2030 and industry needs. KAUST is adapting to support the Kingdom's development through research and empowering the next generation. Why it matters: The event highlights the strategic importance of talent development and industry collaboration in realizing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals in technology and innovation.
KAUST welcomed Monsha'at, the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), and the Royal Commission of Al Ula to its Industry Collaboration Program (KICP). These new members, announced at the 12th annual KAUST Industry Advisory Board (KIAB) meeting, bring the total KICP membership to 25. The KIAB event focused on AI's role in the digital transformation of health, society, and the economy. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering industry partnerships in AI and other key sectors to advance Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
KAUST held its 10th Industry Advisory Board (KIAB) meeting, bringing together university leadership and 26 executive-level industry representatives. The meeting highlighted KAUST's achievements over the past decade and focused on future research and economic development plans aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Over the past 10 years, KICP members have funded over 150 research projects and hired over 25 percent of KAUST graduates. Why it matters: The KIAB meeting underscores KAUST's role in fostering industry collaboration and driving innovation in Saudi Arabia, particularly in R&D and alignment with Vision 2030.
Air Products has joined the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) as a strategic partner. This collaboration grants Air Products access to KAUST's research, technologies, talent pool, and infrastructure, including the KAUST Core Labs. The partnership will focus on areas like carbon capture, gas separation, and hydrogen production. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens KAUST's role as a hub for industry collaboration and provides Air Products with access to cutting-edge research and expertise in sustainable technologies.