Edama Organic Solutions received $780,000 USD seed investment from the KAUST Innovation Fund. KAUST has also signed a contract to build a commercial-scale composting facility for Edama on its Thuwal campus, with a recycling capacity of 5,500 tons. Edama will manufacture and sell products, including Edama Desert Compost and Edama Palm Peat. Why it matters: This initiative promotes sustainable waste management practices in Saudi Arabia by turning organic waste into valuable soil improvement products tailored for desert environments.
KAUST is advancing the circular economy through research and collaborations focused on resource efficiency, waste minimization, and sustainability. Researchers are exploring carbon capture, sustainable fuel development, and AI/ML to accelerate circular principles. The university is also working on optimized waste-to-energy conversion, biomass waste conversion, and CO2 conversion for sustainable fuels. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's commitment to sustainable solutions, which could position Saudi Arabia as a leader in circular economy practices and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Edama Organic Solutions, a KAUST startup, has opened a new organic waste recycling facility in the KAUST Research and Technology Park. The facility is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia to use technology for waste processing and desert agriculture solutions. It will recycle 100% of KAUST's food and green waste, producing about 4,500 m3 of soil improver. Why it matters: This supports Saudi Vision 2030 by addressing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable agriculture in arid regions, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative.
KAUST's Supply Chain Services implemented a Chemical Re-Use Program in February 2016 to encourage researchers to share surplus chemicals. Over 100 researchers have donated more than 3,000 bottles, with over 1,300 bottles reused across multiple divisions and centers. The Enterprise Reagent Manager (ERM) software helps researchers locate available chemicals. Why it matters: This initiative reduces chemical waste, saves costs and time associated with procurement, and promotes environmental sustainability within the university's research ecosystem.
Averda and KAUST have signed a 10-year contract to provide sustainable waste management solutions, targeting zero-waste goals by 2025. Averda will manage solid and hazardous waste, recycling, sorting, and disposal, building on a partnership since 2015 that has already recycled over 3,500 tonnes of waste. The new facility will include an all-electric fleet of waste collection vehicles and advanced sorting technology to divert waste from landfills. Why it matters: This partnership showcases a commitment to environmental sustainability and sets a precedent for technology-driven waste management solutions in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST researchers have developed a technology to convert spoiled dairy and fruit beverages into valuable short-chain and medium-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs and MCCAs). These acids can be used for animal feed, aviation fuel, and pharmaceuticals, with SCCAs valued at $300 per ton and MCCAs having 10x higher value. A pilot study is underway at KAUST, utilizing over 500 liters of waste per week from regional companies. Why it matters: This innovation supports Saudi Arabia's goal to eliminate 90% of landfill waste by 2040 and promotes a circular economy by transforming food waste into high-value products.
A research paper proposes a smart waste management system called TUHR for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, leveraging IoT and AI to handle waste accumulation during the annual pilgrimage. The system uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor waste levels and gas detectors to identify harmful substances, alerting authorities when containers are full or hazards are detected. The proposed system aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting sustainability and improving public health through optimized waste management.
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) held a research conference on wastewater treatment from March 27-29. The conference covered innovations in technologies and microbes to recover resources from wastewater. Keynote speakers included Bruce Rittmann, Bruce Logan, and Jurg Keller, with topics ranging from microbial fuel cells to microalgal biotechnology. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's focus on sustainable technologies for water management, addressing critical resource challenges in arid regions.