KAUST Academy has launched a summer training program called "Artificial Intelligence in Sports" in partnership with Vista Equity Partners and Stats Perform. The program included 20 intensive sessions of lectures, labs, and competitions for students with Python and ML knowledge. Participants used real data from football competitions including the Saudi Pro League. Why it matters: This program supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by investing in local talent and linking academic knowledge with real-world applications, particularly in preparation for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Baker Hughes has donated JewelSuite™ reservoir modeling software to KAUST to enhance teaching, learning, and research. The software simplifies modeling and streamlines the building of accurate 3-D reservoir models. It will enable students and faculty to gain a clearer picture of the subsurface and predict oil or gas deposits. Why it matters: This donation will help KAUST train future leaders in the petroleum engineering industry and advance research in reservoir modeling.
This is an advertisement for KAUST Discovery Associate Professor of Computer Science Ivan Viola. The ad promotes KAUST as a university. Why it matters: This reflects KAUST's ongoing efforts to attract international faculty and promote its research programs.
KAUST highlights postdoctoral fellows Yi Jin Liew, Isabelle Schulz, Maren Ziegler and Neus Garcias Bonet outside the University Library. The article mentions King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1924 – 2015). It encourages applications to KAUST's Discovery Postdoctoral program. Why it matters: This brief announcement signals KAUST's ongoing investment in attracting international research talent to Saudi Arabia.
KAUST has joined the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (VCPEA) to support the Kingdom's deep tech startup ecosystem. The partnership will allow KAUST Innovation Ventures to further support early-stage startups. In 2020, Saudi startups saw a 55% increase in venture capital funding, reaching $152 million. Why it matters: This collaboration aims to connect KAUST's research and innovation with VCPEA's investment network, fostering the growth of Saudi Arabia's deep tech sector in line with Vision 2030.
The Quantum Research Centre (QRC) at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has expanded its team. The center recently added two Senior Researchers, four Young Researchers, and one Visiting Research Professor. TII aims to advance knowledge through scientific research and technological innovation. Why it matters: This expansion indicates continued investment in quantum computing research and development within the UAE, potentially fostering advancements in the field.
Red Sea Farms, a Saudi AgTech company based at KAUST, secured a $10 million venture capital investment from Saudi and UAE investors. Their technology enables commercial farming using primarily saltwater, reducing freshwater consumption by 85-90%. The funding will be used to expand operations in Saudi Arabia, building more than six hectares of commercial farming facilities. Why it matters: This investment signals growing interest in sustainable AgTech solutions within the Gulf region to enhance food security and combat supply chain disruptions.