Red Sea Farms, a KAUST spinout agritech company, and SAUDIA have signed an MoU to supply the airline with locally-sourced, sustainable food options. This collaboration aims to reduce SAUDIA's carbon footprint by decreasing reliance on imported goods. Red Sea Farms also assisted SAUDIA on menu development and video content to promote the health and sustainability benefits of the produce. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the growing focus on sustainability within the Saudi aviation sector and demonstrates the potential for agritech companies to contribute to national environmental goals.
KAUST and Saudi Aramco have partnered to establish the Saudi Arabia Advanced Research Alliance (SAARA) and Technovia, a company focused on commercializing R&D in Saudi Arabia. SAARA includes KACST, KFUPM, TAQNIA, and RTI International, aiming to translate technology into commercially viable products. Technovia, located in Dhahran Techno Valley, will prepare technologies for market entry and secure external investment. Why it matters: This initiative aims to accelerate technology development and economic diversification in Saudi Arabia by bridging the gap between research and commercial applications, potentially fostering innovation across various industrial sectors.
KAUST spinout WAYAKIT has partnered with Saudi Ground Services (SGS) to provide sustainable cleaning solutions for the airline industry across two dozen airports. WAYAKIT's biotechnology solutions develop non-toxic cleaning disinfectants. SGS shifted to WAYAKIT's solution, increasing cleaning efficiency, saving operational costs, and decreasing exposure to toxic chemicals. Why it matters: This highlights the potential for KAUST spinouts to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative by developing eco-friendly and effective products.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched the ‘Applied AI Bootcamp’ in Riyadh. The program aims to train participants on the practical applications of AI technologies. It seeks to equip them with the skills needed to develop AI-powered solutions across various sectors. Why it matters: This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to build a skilled AI workforce and advance its national AI strategy.
Dominique Sciamma, Managing Director at Strate School of Design in France, gave a presentation at KAUST during Enrichment in the Fall of 2017. The title of the presentation was "From Descartes to Morin." The event was held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Why it matters: While the event is dated, KAUST's ongoing enrichment programs contribute to fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge exchange in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST and THIQAH, a technology company specializing in regulation technology and digital products, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 13, 2023. The partnership aims to foster innovation in the digital landscape through collaborative research and development of data applications and AI. The collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on digital technologies to develop innovative products and solutions while also developing human skills. Why it matters: This partnership between a leading Saudi university and a technology company signals a push towards local innovation in digital solutions and AI, potentially creating new opportunities and advancing Saudi Arabia's technological capabilities.