KAUST's Impact magazine highlights advancements in health, sustainability, and renewable energy. The third edition showcases research, education, and innovation translated to society, government, and industry. It covers health advances on pages 33 and 37, sustainability on page 20, and renewable energy on pages 17 and 18. Why it matters: The magazine demonstrates KAUST's role in fostering Saudi Arabia's innovation and research ecosystem through various engagements.
KAUST has released the sixth edition of its KAUST Impact magazine, highlighting research, education, and innovation achievements. This edition focuses on KAUST’s Core Labs, which consist of 12 facilities supporting research at KAUST and with collaborators throughout Saudi Arabia. The magazine is available in both English and Arabic. Why it matters: This publication showcases KAUST's role in advancing Saudi Vision 2030 and its contributions to research and development in the region.
KAUST achieved its highest ranking in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, placing in the top 100 globally. It ranked in the top 10 worldwide in SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG14 (Life Below Water). KAUST also ranked fifth among Arab universities and third among Saudi Arabian universities. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the increasing emphasis on sustainability in Saudi Arabia's research and innovation ecosystem, with KAUST playing a leading role.
KAUST startups have raised over $1 billion in total investments, generated $925 million in revenue, and created 6,661 jobs to date, with a total valuation exceeding $2 billion. In 2024 alone, these startups raised $150 million, demonstrating investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem. KAUST Innovation Ventures focuses on co-investments with local and international venture capital firms. Why it matters: This milestone signals the growing maturity and global competitiveness of Saudi Arabia's deep tech sector, supporting Vision 2030 by attracting investment and creating high-tech jobs.
KAUST recently celebrated its 5000th day since opening its doors to its first class, marking a milestone of education and research. KAUST's academic output has been prevalent from the start, with publications in notable scientific journals. KAUST dominates in national academic publications, with about 80% of the entire Saudi national contribution to Nature-indexed publications having at least one KAUST author. Why it matters: This achievement underscores KAUST's role as a leading research center in the Middle East, attracting talent and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration to address real-world problems.
KAUST's 2015 highlights included recognition as a catalyst for innovation, with its Entrepreneurship Center named a High Impact Program. Six KAUST-related companies were listed among the top 100 innovative startups by Forbes Middle East. KAUST also signed an agreement with Dow Chemical Company to expand facilities and collaborated with ICD on a Saudi-focused venture capital fund. Why it matters: This reflects KAUST's ongoing efforts to strengthen its role in Saudi Arabia's knowledge-based economy through entrepreneurship and industry partnerships.
KAUST researchers are working on solutions to regional and global problems. A KAUST underwater glider completed 1,000 dives in the Red Sea. KAUST was ranked 19th globally in the Nature Index 2016 of top institutions for high-quality science. Why it matters: This illustrates KAUST's commitment to impactful research and its role as a leading scientific institution in the region.
KAUST's Entrepreneurship Center was named a High Impact Program at the UBI Global Benchmarking Conference held in Saudi Arabia. The award recognizes university-affiliated incubators with a high impact on their ecosystem. The KAUST center is nominated for a summit in Sweden as one of the top 100 university business incubators. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the Saudi ecosystem, contributing to economic development and attracting investment.