KAUST led a session at the World Economic Forum's Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, focusing on sustainability science. President Tony Chan and faculty members Peiying Hong, Mohamed Eddaoudi, and Derya Baran presented KAUST's research in water reuse, carbon capture, and transparent solar cells. Derya Baran highlighted KAUST spinoff iyris, which aims to turn windows into solar power plants. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's role as an innovative hub for global research and education, particularly in green technologies, and highlights the university's commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have launched the Abu Dhabi Centre for Frontier Technologies. The center will focus on Quantum Computing, Robotics, Propulsion & Space systems, and related AI applications. It will operate within WEF’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Global Network. Why it matters: This partnership positions Abu Dhabi as a global hub for advanced technology research and strengthens the UAE's role in shaping the global technology agenda.
KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau participated in a panel discussion on academic excellence at The 2015 Economist Higher Education Forum in Manhattan. He highlighted KAUST's design and role as a global science and technology university. The forum, which hosted leaders in higher education, included an online conversation using #HigherEdForum. Why it matters: While dated, the event underscores KAUST's ongoing efforts to engage with global thought leaders and promote its vision for graduate education, research, and entrepreneurship.
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.
Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University gave a keynote at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2022 on "resilience." He emphasized the need to end greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century through decarbonizing the energy system. Sachs highlighted the importance of science and technology solutions, especially in adapting to climate change. Why it matters: The talk underscores the importance of KAUST's research initiatives, such as the Circular Carbon Initiative, in developing technologies for carbon capture and utilization, aligning with Saudi Arabia's net-zero targets.
MBZUAI has partnered with the World Economic Forum to launch a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in the UAE. This center will focus on AI, energy transition, and cyber resilience, aiming to advance AI excellence and competitiveness in the region. It will convene leaders across sectors to co-design and pilot initiatives supporting AI research, governance, adoption, and innovation. Why it matters: This partnership positions the UAE and MBZUAI as key players in shaping the global AI landscape and addressing pressing economic, social, and human challenges through AI.
The 7th annual Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) was held in Riyadh, gathering experts including KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau. The forum focused on building competitive partnerships and developing world-class infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. President Chameau discussed fostering entrepreneurship, leveraging technology, and the role of research universities in innovation ecosystems, highlighting KAUST's contributions. Why it matters: This participation highlights KAUST's ongoing efforts to build an innovation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and its role in translating research into commercial ventures.