KAUST and the International Venture Club are seeking tech companies in the Middle East and Europe for investment and expansion opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The Arabian Tech Tour, held in Jeddah and Riyadh in November 2015, will showcase 25 emerging companies from the region and 25 growth companies from Europe. Selected companies will present to VCs, corporations, and business angels. Why it matters: This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Science, Technology and Innovation Plan to create a knowledge-based economy and foster innovation, particularly in cleantech.
KAUST hosted the 2015 Arabian Tech Tour, a regional version of an international event for venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. The event featured 50 early-stage companies from 15 countries pitching to over 100 representatives from global investment and venture capital firms. Total assets under management of attending investors were estimated at around $10 billion. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation, attracting knowledge-based industries to Saudi Arabia, and creating high-value jobs in the Kingdom.
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2024 focused on the theme "Digital Adventure – ride to the future," featuring lectures and activities related to machine learning, AI, and the future of technology. Speakers covered topics from quantum computing and robotics to smart cities and sustainable economies. Rick Fox discussed his company Partanna's work on revolutionizing concrete production with KAUST's Carlos Duarte as an advisor. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in fostering discussions around cutting-edge technologies and their impact on various sectors within the Kingdom and globally.
KAUST's New Energy Oasis (NEO) hosted an open day on May 7 to showcase its renewable energy technologies. The event featured guided tours of the NEO site, where 11 international technology providers are testing renewable energy solutions. The technologies on display included photovoltaic (PV), concentrating solar power (CSP), and dust mitigation technologies. Why it matters: This initiative helps identify and implement the most appropriate renewable energy technologies for Saudi Arabia, addressing the Kingdom's growing energy demands.
Students and teachers from Thuwal schools visited KAUST for computer-oriented activities on February 7. The activities included a practical computer coding lesson inspired by "Hour of Code," where participants used Mac computers to work through an online tutorial. Students and teachers also toured the supercomputing facilities in the KAUST Core Labs led by Bilel Hadri of the ECRC. Why it matters: Such outreach programs help promote STEM education and engagement with advanced computing resources among local students.
ASPIRE, TII, and ATRC will participate in a fireside chat at the USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The discussion will cover Abu Dhabi's advanced technology ecosystem, funding for tech breakthroughs, and perspectives from technopreneurs. Dr. Arthur Morrish (ASPIRE), Prof. Mérouane Debbah (TII), and Dr. Fareed Al Amiri (ATRC) will be featured, with Kelsey Warner (The National) as moderator. Why it matters: The event highlights Abu Dhabi's efforts to foster an advanced technology ecosystem and attract global experts, showcasing the region's commitment to innovation.
In November 2017, students from KFUPM's Electrical Engineering department visited KAUST's Nanofabrication Core Lab (NCL). The students toured the campus and the KAUST Core Labs facilities and were shown processing equipment in the NCL cleanroom. Demonstrations on micro and nanofabrication techniques were also conducted. Why it matters: While dated, the article highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing between Saudi universities in developing future researchers in nanotechnology.
KAUST received The SWEF Technology & Innovation Award. The award was presented to the KAUST delegation at the Saudi Water Environment Forum (SWEF). KAUST faculty members also participated in panel sessions at the event. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST's work highlights Saudi Arabia's growing role in technology and innovation.