MIT Technology Review Arabia recognized two KAUST researchers in its annual Innovators Under 35 MENA Award. Yuxiang Liu developed Sun-Fi, an optical wireless communication network for smart cities that transmits data through window glass using modulated sunlight. Balsam Alkouz created a system for coordinating drone swarms to deliver supplies and deploy communications in disaster zones. Why it matters: The awards highlight KAUST's role in fostering innovative research aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and developing cutting-edge technology for smart cities and crisis response.
KAUST Assistant Professor of Material Science and Engineering, Derya Baran, was named as one of MIT Technology Review's 'Innovators Under 35 in the MENA region' in 2018. Baran and her team founded iyris, a startup developing transparent photovoltaic technology to turn windows into solar panels. The technology aims to enable energy-efficient buildings by generating electricity and blocking heat. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation in sustainable energy and showcases the potential of advanced materials research for addressing regional environmental challenges.
Three KAUST scientists—Hamed Albalawi, Hend Mohamed, and Walaa Khushaim—have been named MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 MENA. Albalawi developed a calcium carbonate ink for 3D-bioprinting coral restoration scaffolds, while Mohamed created catalysts for sustainable aviation fuel production. Khushaim developed multiplexed biosensors for early heart attack detection, integrated into portable diagnostic devices. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing innovation ecosystem at KAUST and the potential for Saudi Arabia to contribute significantly to global challenges in sustainability and healthcare.
MBZUAI is developing AI algorithms to intelligently process data from wearables and home sensors for remote patient monitoring. The algorithms aim to analyze multiple strands of health data to provide a more comprehensive view of a patient's health, distinguishing between genuine emergencies and benign situations. MBZUAI's provost, Professor Fakhri Karray, believes this approach could handle 20-25% of diagnoses virtually, reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Why it matters: This research could significantly improve healthcare efficiency and accessibility in the UAE and beyond by enabling more effective remote patient monitoring and reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau spoke at The Atlantic's "What's Next?" event in Chicago on October 4th. He highlighted KAUST's role as a global science and technology university and its efforts in graduate education, research, and entrepreneurship. Chameau discussed KAUST's Li-Fi research and climate change studies in the Red Sea. Why it matters: The participation of KAUST in such international events helps to raise the university's profile and showcase its contributions to science and technology.
Munther Dahleh, director at the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), discussed his group's research on network systems at the KAUST 2018 Winter Enrichment Program. The research focuses on the fragility of large networked systems, like highway systems, in response to disruptions that may lead to catastrophic failures. Dahleh's team studies transportation networks, electrical grids, and financial markets to understand system interconnection in causing systemic risk. Why it matters: Understanding networked systems is crucial for building resilient infrastructure and mitigating risks in critical sectors across the GCC region.
KAUST alumni and students participated in the first MIT Hacking Medicine event in the Middle East, held in Riyadh at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University. The event, organized by the MIT-Ibn Khaldun Fellowship Alumni Society and sponsored by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, involved 100 participants working on healthcare, science, engineering, and business development problems. KAUST alumna Haleema Al Amri organized the University's participation, while KAUST alumna Ameerah Bokhari served as a mentor to participating teams. Why it matters: The event fosters collaboration and innovation in healthcare and technology, aligning with Saudi Arabia's focus on advancing these sectors through international partnerships and knowledge exchange.
MIT Professor Ahmed F. Ghoniem delivered a keynote at KAUST's Spring Enrichment Program discussing clean energy solutions for future cities. He emphasized a portfolio approach including electrochemical, solar thermochemical, and plasma technologies for renewable energy storage. Ghoniem highlighted the economic opportunities arising from clean energy technology deployment, R&D, and job creation. Why it matters: The focus on renewable energy and storage aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for sustainable urban development and diversification of the energy sector.