KAUST has announced the finalists for its Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) poster competition. The finalists, consisting of graduates, postdoctoral students, and international undergraduates, submitted research posters. The winner will be announced on January 21, 2015, during the WEP award ceremony. Why it matters: Such events promote research excellence and collaboration within KAUST and the broader academic community, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing.
The UAE's National Program for Artificial Intelligence (NEP-AI) has announced that 135 finalists have been shortlisted for its latest initiative. These finalists represent talent drawn from all seven emirates, highlighting a nationwide participation in the program. This shortlisting is a key step towards developing local AI capabilities and fostering innovation across the country. Why it matters: This initiative is crucial for building a robust domestic AI ecosystem and positioning the UAE as a leader in AI talent development in the region.
KAUST researchers have been selected as finalists for two ACM Gordon Bell Prizes for high-performance computing. One project used NVIDIA GPUs to enhance genetic studies from the UK Biobank, achieving 133x speedup over existing software. The other developed an exascale climate emulator with higher spatial-temporal resolution than current models, demonstrated on supercomputers like Shaheen III. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's strength in high-performance computing research and its contributions to both genetic analysis and climate modeling.
Twelve Saudi startups pitched at the 9/10ths Startup Accelerator showcase in Riyadh, presenting diverse business concepts. Half of the finalist teams were led by Saudi female entrepreneurs. Fixtag, Innoras, Dhad, and Magadeer received grant funding from a panel of judges representing various investment firms. Why it matters: The 9/10ths program demonstrates growing investment and support for entrepreneurship and innovation across Saudi Arabia, with a focus on female leadership and high-potential startups.
The UAE's National Program for Artificial Intelligence (NEP-AI) has announced the shortlisting of 135 finalists for an unspecified initiative. These finalists represent talent drawn from all seven emirates, highlighting the program's nationwide reach. The shortlisting signifies progress in a national effort to foster AI capabilities and human capital within the UAE. Why it matters: This initiative is a concrete step towards strengthening the UAE's domestic AI ecosystem and realizing its strategic ambition to become a leading global hub for artificial intelligence.
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.