KAUST will host its inaugural Future Forum in Riyadh on February 12-13, 2024, showcasing 15 years of KAUST's research and innovation. The forum aims to unite government, industry, investors, and academia, featuring panel discussions and an interactive exhibition with 47 speakers. The event will highlight KAUST's alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) agenda, which seeks to increase RDI investment to 2.5% of GDP. Why it matters: This forum signals KAUST's strategic pivot towards directly supporting Saudi Arabia's national development goals, potentially influencing the direction of AI research and funding in the Kingdom.
The 2018 Innovation to Impact Forum was held at MIT to foster collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Organized by a joint committee including KACST, KAUST, SMEA, and MIT, the forum featured roundtables aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated collaborations between U.S. and Saudi organizations at the event. Why it matters: The forum signifies Saudi Arabia's commitment to building international partnerships in research and innovation, particularly with leading U.S. institutions, to achieve Vision 2030 goals.
KAUST held an Engineering Forum event on January 23. The event recognized members of the Technical Committee for their support in completing KAUST standards. No further details about the content of the forum are provided. Why it matters: Such events likely contribute to the development of engineering expertise and standards within Saudi Arabia.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi hosted the 48th meeting of the Wireless World Research Forum (WWRF) from November 7-9. The forum convened global experts to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in 5G deployment and beyond, with a focus on AI's role in wireless and telecommunications innovations. TII's participation as host underscores its commitment to advancing the wireless communications sector. Why it matters: This event strengthens the UAE's position as a hub for telecommunications research and provides a platform for shaping the future of wireless technology in the region and globally.
KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau participated in a panel discussion on academic excellence at The 2015 Economist Higher Education Forum in Manhattan. He highlighted KAUST's design and role as a global science and technology university. The forum, which hosted leaders in higher education, included an online conversation using #HigherEdForum. Why it matters: While dated, the event underscores KAUST's ongoing efforts to engage with global thought leaders and promote its vision for graduate education, research, and entrepreneurship.
KAUST, KACST, and NEOM ERI Foundation will host the fourth Future of Semiconductors Forum in Saudi Arabia on May 4–5, 2025. The forum aims to advance Saudi Arabia's goal of becoming a regional hub for advanced technologies, especially semiconductors, and aligns with Vision 2030. It will convene industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and experts to exchange knowledge, explore collaborations, and showcase the latest semiconductor advancements. Why it matters: This event signals Saudi Arabia's continued investment and strategic focus on developing a domestic semiconductor industry, critical for AI and other advanced technology sectors.
KAUST Professor Pierre Magistretti participated in the U.S.-Saudi Arabia Business Leaders Virtual Forum, organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Saudi Ministry of Investment. Magistretti spoke on a panel about healthcare innovation alongside representatives from Pfizer, Abbott, and the Saudi Ministry of Investment. KAUST's Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) aims to translate scientific discoveries into clinical tools. Why it matters: This participation highlights KAUST's growing role in shaping healthcare innovation within the Kingdom and fostering international collaborations in the field.