King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has launched namya, a new venture established in collaboration with SEQUENCIVE, a Riyadh-based venture builder. namya will commercialize KAUST's MiZax technology, which delivers advanced bioactive products to farmers to enhance crop yield and resilience while reducing input requirements. MiZax is the result of over a decade of plant science research at KAUST, focusing on natural metabolites that regulate plant growth, and has shown promise in reducing fertilizer needs in trials. Why it matters: This venture represents a significant step in translating Saudi Arabian scientific research into practical agricultural solutions, directly addressing national food security challenges and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Brookfield and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) have partnered to create a $20 billion investment venture focused on AI and technology. The initiative will invest in both established and emerging companies, with a focus on energy transition and sustainable technologies. QIA will contribute $5 billion in equity, with the remainder sourced from Brookfield. Why it matters: This partnership signals a major inflow of capital into the AI and technology sectors, potentially accelerating innovation and adoption in the Middle East and globally.
Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) has launched AI71, a new AI company building on the Falcon generative AI models developed by TII. AI71 will focus on multi-domain specializations, offering AI data control options for companies and countries looking to self-host for greater privacy. The company will be taken to market by ATRC's VentureOne subsidiary, initially targeting the medical, educational, and legal sectors. Why it matters: AI71 aims to establish Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a major AI player by providing decentralized data ownership and promoting broader access to AI technology.
Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) launched VentureOne, a commercialization arm to bring research solutions to market. ATRC also launched three new specialized research centers in Propulsion, Alternative Energy, and Biotechnology. This brings the total number of deep-tech research entities within ATRC to 10. Why it matters: This expansion signals a major investment in Abu Dhabi's advanced technology ecosystem, aiming to translate research into commercial products and attract global expertise.
KAUST startups have raised over $1 billion in total investments, generated $925 million in revenue, and created 6,661 jobs to date, with a total valuation exceeding $2 billion. In 2024 alone, these startups raised $150 million, demonstrating investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem. KAUST Innovation Ventures focuses on co-investments with local and international venture capital firms. Why it matters: This milestone signals the growing maturity and global competitiveness of Saudi Arabia's deep tech sector, supporting Vision 2030 by attracting investment and creating high-tech jobs.
Terraxy, a startup spun out of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), has secured $3 million in a Seed-2 funding round led by Wa’ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of Aramco, with participation from KAUST. This funding will support the scaling of Terraxy's proprietary soil enhancer, Carbosoil, from pilot to industrial production and enable the establishment of a 30,000-square-meter commercial facility in Al Zulfi, Saudi Arabia. Carbosoil improves plant growth and yield by up to 70% while enhancing water and nutrient retention in sandy soils for landscaping and carbon capture. Why it matters: This investment highlights Saudi Arabia's strategy to commercialize deep-tech research from local institutions to achieve national sustainability, food security, and desert greening objectives.
Saudi Energy has acquired a stake in UK-based Kraken Technologies, a subsidiary of Octopus Energy Group, specializing in AI-enabled technology for smart grids and energy management. This acquisition includes the establishment of a joint venture headquartered in Riyadh. The partnership aims to localize advanced energy technology within the Kingdom. Why it matters: This strategic collaboration is significant for advancing energy technology and smart grid solutions in Saudi Arabia, aligning with national goals for technological development and energy efficiency under Vision 2030.
ADASI has adopted VentureOne's Perceptra, a GPS-less navigation technology, and Saluki, a high-security flight control technology, both developed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). These technologies enhance resilience, precision, and security for autonomous aerial operations, addressing vulnerabilities in GPS-dependent systems. The agreement was formalized at IDEX 2025. Why it matters: This deployment of advanced autonomous flight technologies in the UAE strengthens aviation security and positions the region as a leader in resilient, GPS-independent navigation solutions.