KAUST alumnus Faisal Nawab (M.S. '11) is now an assistant professor of computer science and engineering at UC Santa Cruz. His master's thesis at KAUST focused on building wireless network infrastructure, supervised by KAUST Associate Professor Basem Shihada. Nawab's current research involves developing systems for rapid data analysis in cloud computing and Big Data. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training researchers who are now contributing to advancements in computing and data analysis globally.
KAUST founding alumnus Ahmad Showail has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct IoT research at UC Irvine with Dr. Faisal Nawab. Showail, who earned master's and Ph.D. degrees from KAUST, submitted a proposal on secure and private Internet-of-Things using SGX cloud architecture. He credits KAUST with shaping him as a researcher and helping him develop skills in writing journal papers and pursuing impactful issues. Why it matters: This award highlights the quality of KAUST graduates and the potential for KAUST alumni to contribute to solving challenges in Saudi Arabia, such as managing crowd movements during Hajj and Umrah.
KAUST and the King Faisal Prize (KFP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on October 10, 2019 to promote the exchange of information and expertise. The collaboration includes hosting joint conferences, lectures, and events. KFP will benefit from KAUST's scientists to assist in its selection procedures. Why it matters: This partnership between a leading Saudi university and a prestigious international prize strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for scientific research and innovation.
Shorooq Partners, a Middle East investment firm, has $500M in assets under management. Their AI fund is co-led by Dr. Bilal Baloch, who spoke at MBZUAI about venture capital. He advises technical founders to partner with people who complement their skills, especially in policy and commercialization. Why it matters: This highlights the growing sophistication of the venture capital ecosystem in the Middle East for AI startups.
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