KAUST alumna Wedyan Babatain was named a 2022 MENA Innovator Under 35 by MIT Technology Review Arabia. Babatain was recognized for her research developing a soft multifunctional wearable platform using graphene and liquid metal-based electronics. She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at MIT Media Lab, developing soft tangible interfaces and robotics platforms. Why it matters: This award highlights the increasing recognition of young Saudi researchers and KAUST's role in fostering innovative research in advanced materials and wearable technology.
KAUST Associate Professor Derya Baran was named one of Forbes’ 20 Women Behind Middle Eastern Tech Brands for her work developing iyris SecondSky, a greenhouse roofing product. SecondSky uses nanoparticle additives to block heat while allowing light to pass through, reducing energy consumption by up to 40% and water use by 30%. The technology is already used in farms across 12 countries and is being considered for residential and commercial construction in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing role of women in Middle Eastern tech and the potential for KAUST-developed technologies to address sustainability challenges in the region.
The 2018 TAQADAM Accelerator Showcase, a partnership between KAUST and SABB, awarded SAR 2.25 million in follow-on funding to winning startups. 24 startup graduates from 11 universities in Saudi Arabia participated, each having received SAR 75,000 in initial grant funding. Winning startups included Wayakit, with an instant laundry spray, and EDAMA Organic Solutions, focused on converting organic waste into soil conditioners. Why it matters: This accelerator program highlights the growing focus on deep tech innovation and entrepreneurship within Saudi Arabia's research and business ecosystems.
KAUST will host a Modern Saudi Art Exhibit from Arabian Wings (Jan 11-15), an Al-Balad 24 Photography Exhibition featuring work by Marina Kochetyga and Andrea Bachofen (Jan 11-16), and an East African Tingatinga art exhibition (Jan 18-24). The Al-Balad exhibit includes a video by Dr. Lorenzo Pareschi documenting a fire in the historic district. Why it matters: These art exhibits expose the KAUST community to diverse artistic styles and cultural perspectives, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
KAUST Ph.D. students Sandra Medina and Luisa Javier created WAYAKIT, a compact, organic, and portable multi-cleaner and odor remover for travelers. Their biotechnology-based startup, WAYAK Group, aims to transform the laundry industry with affordable, low-resource solutions. WAYAKIT uses biotechnology to degrade odor-causing molecules and solubilize stains. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's entrepreneurial environment and the potential for scientific research to address practical, everyday challenges with sustainable solutions.
Dr. Leslie Dewan, co-founder and CEO of Transatomic, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program about next-generation sustainable nuclear power plants. Dewan advocates for both nuclear and renewable energy to meet energy demands. She believes her company's new reactor design, which uses better fuel and reduces nuclear waste, is ideal for countries with rising power demands like Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's engagement with innovative energy solutions and their potential relevance to Saudi Arabia's future energy strategy.
KAUST is highlighted for its commitment to multidisciplinary research, innovation, and strong leadership, particularly regarding women's education. The university was the first mixed-gender university in Saudi Arabia, with women comprising around 40% of its student population. KAUST actively recruits female faculty members and appoints them to leadership positions, demonstrated through workshops like Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). Why it matters: This underscores the increasing role of women in STEM fields within Saudi Arabia, facilitated by institutions like KAUST.
KAUST spinout Sadeem, which develops wireless environmental sensing systems, has secured $2.6 million in co-investment from the KAUST Innovation Fund and Saudi Aramco's Wa'ed Ventures. The funding will support product updates, development of new monitoring technologies, and business development. Sadeem's technology is used in cities including Mexico City and Texas for flood, traffic, weather, and air quality monitoring. Why it matters: The investment highlights the growing venture capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and will allow Sadeem to further develop its sensor technology for environmental monitoring and disaster prevention.