The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has launched the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance. KAUST is a founding member along with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority and Topian (the NEOM Food Company). The alliance includes around 40 entities from the public and private sectors, research, academia, and nonprofit organizations to deploy AgriFood technological solutions. Why it matters: This initiative signals Saudi Arabia's intent to leverage technology and partnerships to enhance food security and sustainability within the Kingdom's agricultural sector.
KAUST researchers discovered that the red algae strain Galdieria yellowstonesis can convert sugars from chocolate-processing waste into C-phycocyanin, a valuable blue pigment. The study found that high levels of carbon dioxide promote Galdieria growth, and the resulting phycocyanin was deemed food-safe by the U.S. FDA. Mars supported the research by providing chocolate samples. Why it matters: This research offers a sustainable method for waste management and contributes to a circular economy in the region, with potential applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Nutrigenics, an AI startup founded by MBZUAI PhD students, is developing a platform to improve dietetics. The platform features 200,000 tagged recipes and a vision language model (VLM) that analyzes meal photos with 70% accuracy. Nutrigenics aims to bridge the gap between clinical advice and daily eating habits, enabling dieticians to monitor patient progress more effectively. Why it matters: This technology can personalize nutrition at scale in the region and improve adherence to dietary guidelines, addressing a critical need in preventative healthcare.
KAUST and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) hosted the KAUST Workshop for Saudi Food Futures in Riyadh on October 22. The workshop focused on identifying strategic priorities for Saudi Arabia's food security and the integration of smart technologies. A new consortium, Saudi Food Futures Initiative (SFF), was announced, aiming to accelerate the transformation of the Saudi food system. Why it matters: The initiative signals a commitment to leveraging AI and technology to enhance food security in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and 2060.
KAUST will host its Fall Discovery Enrichment program from October 14-22, focusing on the theme "Food for All." The program includes discussions on women in biology led by Bettina Berger, Jasmeen Merzaban, Peiying Hong, and Ashwag Albukhari. Other activities feature a workshop on diet improvement by Amna Malik and cooking demonstrations by German chef Bernd Arold, alongside screenings of food-related movies. Why it matters: The event promotes community engagement and education around food-related topics, highlighting the intersection of science, health, and culture within the KAUST community.
Dr. John Bedbrook of DiCE Molecules LLC spoke at KAUST about the challenges of feeding a growing population with increasingly stressed arable land. He noted the increasing demand for meat in emerging economies exacerbates the problem. Bedbrook emphasized the role of genetics and hybridization in improving crop yields and quality to address food security. Why it matters: Investments in agricultural biotechnology are crucial for the GCC region to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports amid changing climate conditions.
AlBaik and KAUST have partnered to launch the 'e-AlBaik Lab,' a smart technology living lab on the KAUST campus focused on food service innovation. The collaboration aims to leverage KAUST’s research infrastructure to enhance AlBaik’s food service through automated ordering, smart delivery, and sustainability initiatives. The lab will experiment with technologies like drones and autonomous vehicles to improve delivery efficiency. Why it matters: This partnership signifies the increasing adoption of advanced AI and automation technologies within Saudi Arabia's food industry, potentially setting a precedent for other local businesses to innovate their service and delivery models.
KAUST plant scientists are advocating for the deployment of new plant breeding technologies, including gene editing, to enhance global food security. Researchers Mark Tester and Magdy Mahfouz highlight these methods' potential to improve crops by minimizing crop life cycle for research on breeding, selection, and fixing of useful genes. They argue these technologies offer alternatives to genetically modified crops, potentially lowering regulatory costs and increasing seed affordability for farmers in developing countries. Why it matters: These advancements, coupled with regional seed-sharing initiatives, could significantly boost food production and accessibility in less-developed countries in the Middle East and globally.