The Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) has announced strategic partnerships with institutions including the University of Sheffield, Khalifa University, and McGill University. These partnerships include visiting scholar fellowships, graduate programs with internships, and dual-degree programs. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between AMRC experts and students from around the world, providing access to resources, mentorship, and financial support. Why it matters: This collaboration will strengthen Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem and R&D sectors through global knowledge transfer and talent development.
RDI and KAUST have launched a Technology Transfer Program to accelerate commercialization activities in Saudi universities. The Technology Transfer Internship Program aims to upskill leaders from research institutions across Saudi Arabia in technology commercialization. KAUST was selected by RDI due to its innovation ecosystem, including 1,448 patent families and 287 technology licenses. Why it matters: This partnership will help to translate Saudi research into commercial products, strengthening the country’s capacity for innovation and aligning with national goals for a knowledge-based economy.
Tawuniya Insurance and KAUST have signed an MoU to collaborate on scientific research, technical consulting, training programs, internships, and employment support. Eng. Abdullah Al-Sharqi, CTDO of Tawuniya, and Professor Bernard Ghanem, Chair of the Center of Excellence for Generative AI at KAUST, represented their respective organizations at the signing. The partnership aims to enhance innovation capabilities, develop skills, and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Why it matters: This agreement exemplifies the growing collaboration between academic institutions and private sector companies in Saudi Arabia to advance innovation and talent development in line with national goals.
KAUST has launched a new master’s degree program in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE), set to begin in August 2024. The 16-month program includes core courses, electives, summer internships, and product development, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. The final six months will be spent at InnoX Academy in Shenzhen focusing on product and venture development. Why it matters: This program aims to cultivate a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to contribute to Saudi Arabia's economic diversification and technological advancement.
KAUST and the Ministry of Innovational Development of Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to collaborate on science, technology, and innovation. The agreement aims to leverage scientific strengths between the two entities through information sharing, personnel exchange, project support, and internship assistance. A Joint Working Group will coordinate the activities. Why it matters: This partnership expands KAUST's reach into Central Asia, potentially fostering joint research and development in areas like AI and sustainability.
KAUST's Saudi Summer Internship (SSI) program hosted 29 undergraduate students from Saudi universities this year, up from just 6 students five years ago. The students were assigned to CEMSE labs for 8-12 weeks, conducting research alongside KAUST faculty. At the end of the program, the students participated in a poster competition to present their work. Why it matters: This program fosters local talent in STEM fields and strengthens KAUST's ties with other Saudi universities.
KAUST and McLaren Racing have signed a five-year R&D agreement focused on extreme performance technology. The partnership will focus on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), machine learning, fuels and lubricants, advanced mathematics and sensors and electronics. The collaboration aims to advance research and offer talent development for KAUST graduate students through research and internships. Why it matters: This partnership highlights KAUST's growing role in international collaborations to advance research and development in key areas like AI and sustainable mobility solutions.
The KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) has hosted over 210 interns since 2014, offering research experience with faculty and facilities. Interns, typically in their baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate studies, stay between three and six months. Several interns, like Mariana Prazeres who researched the Hamilton Jacobi equation, have pursued further studies at KAUST. Why it matters: The VSRP program at KAUST serves as a pipeline for attracting international talent to Saudi Arabia and fostering interest in STEM fields.