KAUST and the Misk Initiatives Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand collaboration and achieve national development goals. The partnership focuses on academic and pre-professional development for Saudi students, entrepreneurial activities, and joint educational programs. Top students from Misk will be nominated for KAUST programs like SRSI, KGSP, and KSLP. Why it matters: This MoU signifies a strategic alignment between KAUST and Misk to cultivate Saudi talent and promote innovation, contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
KAUST is partnering with the MiSK Global Forum (MGF) to support the 2020 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC), hosting a bootcamp for finalists. Four of the six Saudi startups among the top 100 in the EWC global finals are from KAUST. The EWC is the world's largest entrepreneurship competition, attracting 175,000 applicants from 200 countries. Why it matters: This partnership provides KAUST-nurtured startups with significant global exposure and resources, strengthening the Saudi entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The Dow Innovation Center at KAUST was inaugurated on May 15, 2018, to support Dow's research efforts in Saudi Arabia. The 13,500 m² center will house R&D facilities and the Dow Digital Marketplace Center. It will focus on oil and gas technology, sustainable coating, and industrial chemicals with state-of-the-art labs and offices. Why it matters: This center signifies a commitment to innovation and talent development in Saudi Arabia, fostering a highly skilled workforce and supporting the Kingdom's growth.
KAUST has launched the KAUST Mathematics Competition (KMC), a national mathematics initiative for middle and high school students in Saudi Arabia. The competition aims to identify and nurture young mathematical talent, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. Winners will receive prizes and the opportunity to attend a joint summer mathematics camp at KAUST and the University of Cambridge in 2026, with registration open until Nov 9, 2025. Why it matters: This competition can help develop a pipeline of Saudi talent in STEM fields crucial for advancing the Kingdom's AI ambitions.
KAUST has launched the KAUST Challenge: Ideas and Solutions for Hajj & Umrah 2020, in partnership with The Makkah Cultural Forum. The challenge aims to catalyze research, innovation, and economic development in Saudi Arabia. The KAUST Challenge will award 1 million SAR in cash and other prizes for ideas to improve the Hajj and Umrah experience and advance efforts to make Makkah a smart city. Why it matters: This initiative connects AI innovation directly to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the specific needs of religious tourism, a unique application area.
KAUST will host 96 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) finalists from 64 countries for an entrepreneurship bootcamp, in partnership with the Misk Global Forum (MGF). The finalists will receive training at KAUST to prepare for the EWC global finals at the MGF in Riyadh in November. Six of the finalists are from Saudi Arabia and are graduates of KAUST's entrepreneurship programs. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for global entrepreneurship and aligns with its economic transformation goals by attracting international startups and talent.
KAUST, VentureSouq, startAD, and Tamkeen have partnered to launch the first Conscious Investor Fellowship in the GCC. The six-week virtual program aims to enable regional investors to create sustainable change through high-impact investments. The fellowship will host 25 investors from family offices, corporations, and government entities. Why it matters: The program aims to empower mission-driven investors in the region and accelerate investment in technology-driven startups addressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
KAUST and Dow Chemical Company organized a STEAM innovation challenge for over 150 university students from the Jeddah area. The event took place on the KAUST campus from January 19-21. Participants engaged in activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Why it matters: Such initiatives promote local talent and innovation in STEM fields, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for a diversified, knowledge-based economy.