KAUST Discovery highlighted Prof. Karl Leo's insights on translating science into business from an Entrepreneurship Center speaker series. Prof. Leo, with 440 publications and 8 co-founded companies, emphasized the importance of curiosity-driven basic research. He envisions organic semiconductors dominating electronics in 20-30 years, noting the success of Novaled, his OLED company in Dresden. Why it matters: This underscores KAUST's focus on fostering entrepreneurship and translating research into practical applications within the Kingdom.
KAUST Professor Boon Ooi, Nobel laureate Shuji Nakamura, and colleagues are collaborating on laser-based solid state lighting (SSL) and visible light communications (VLC). The team is using gallium nitride (GaN) to develop high-performance semiconductor laser devices, leveraging nanofabrication techniques at KAUST. They demonstrated that their laser-based VLC system is over 20 times faster than LED-based Li-Fi systems. Why it matters: This research could enable faster, more energy-efficient data transmission using visible light, with potential applications in both terrestrial and underwater communication.
KAUST Professor Boon Ooi, Nobel laureate Shuji Nakamura from UCSB, and KACST researchers are collaborating on laser-based solid-state lighting (SSL) through a 2014 tripartite agreement. Their research focuses on SSL, which has the potential to be even more energy-efficient than existing LED lighting by using semiconductor lasers. Nakamura, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2014 for developing blue LEDs, spoke at KAUST about the potential of SSL to improve energy efficiency further. Why it matters: This collaboration aims to advance energy-efficient lighting technologies, leveraging Nobel-winning expertise to develop solutions that could significantly reduce global energy consumption.
Excyton, a startup based at KAUST, has developed a novel display technology called “TurboLED” that reduces power consumption by 50% and increases the color range rendered on displays to 76%. The technology utilizes a six sub-pixel format (light and deep RGB) compared to the standard three, saving energy by using lighter colors most of the time. Excyton received $2 million in funding from KAUST Innovation Ventures and collaborated with KAUST to develop the technology. Why it matters: This innovation could significantly improve the battery life of mobile devices while also enhancing display quality, providing a competitive advantage for devices manufactured in the region.
NOMADD, a KAUST startup, offers a waterless and remotely operated system to clean solar panels, addressing the challenge of dust accumulation which can reduce solar panel efficiency by 0.4-0.8% daily. KAUST recently signed its first royalty-bearing license agreement for the NOMADD system. The fifth version of the NOMADD system is 70% lighter and uses less than half the power of previous versions, while also being cheaper to manufacture. Why it matters: This technology is crucial for Saudi Arabia to achieve its ambitious goal of generating a third of its electricity from solar power by 2032, amidst the challenges posed by desert dust.
Dr. Steevy Cordette from TII's Directed Energy Research Center has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Light Communication Alliance (LCA). The LCA is a non-profit organization focused on promoting Light Communications technology and defining standards for education, communication, and interoperability. Dr. Cordette will focus on integrating light and emerging optic communication technologies, enhancing TII's global visibility in areas like LiFi and Free Space Optics. Why it matters: This appointment positions the UAE as a leader in innovative telecommunications solutions and strengthens TII's role in shaping global telecommunications standards.
KAUST Assistant Professor Xiaohang Li has won the 2018 Harold M. Manasevit Young Investigator Award for his work in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth of semiconductors. Li will receive the award at the 19th International Conference on Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy in Japan. The award recognizes Li's contributions to deep UV lasers, B-III-N alloys, III-oxides, and blue and green emitters. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced semiconductor research and its potential impact on the optoelectronics industry.
KAUST spin-out company NOMADD, which specializes in robotic PV cleaning systems, has secured a Series B investment from Saudi construction company CEPCO. The investment will support NOMADD's project pipeline and growth ambitions, enabling them to scale operations and serve more customers. CEPCO will also advise on technology development and local manufacturing in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This investment validates KAUST's innovation fund strategy and supports the deployment of sustainable energy solutions in the region, leveraging local expertise and manufacturing.