KAUST alumnus Dr. Hesham Omran won the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for achievements in STEM. Omran was recognized for his Analog Designer’s Toolbox (ADT) and his Mastering Microelectronics YouTube channel, which has over 1.2 million views. Omran aims to boost microelectronics innovation in the Arab world. Why it matters: The award highlights the impact of KAUST graduates on STEM fields in the region and recognizes contributions to education and innovation in microelectronics.
KAUST's Terragraph Connectivity Project received second rank in the Social Project category of the Global Excellence Awards by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in Saudi Arabia. The project, in collaboration with Meta and the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), provided high-speed Wi-Fi to a camp of 3000+ people outside KAUST. The deployed hybrid radio frequency and free space optics technology offers reliable internet connection to a remote community. Why it matters: The award and project showcase KAUST's contribution to bridging the digital divide in line with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for sustainable development and digital inclusion.
KAUST is seeking technology-based solutions to build resilience in local ecosystems facing challenges like climate change, disasters, and food insecurity. The WTI Resilience Challenge 2021/22 is accepting proposals under four tracks, with a deadline of December 9, 2021. The top five nominees will receive KAUST mentorship, and three winners will be awarded prizes during the WEP closure ceremony. Why it matters: This challenge promotes innovation in addressing critical environmental and societal issues, aligning with Saudi Arabia's focus on sustainability and technological advancement.
KAUST startups, including Sadeem (a wireless sensor system for flood monitoring), have won top prizes in entrepreneurship competitions such as GITEX Future Stars, ArabNet Riyadh, and the Oqal Best Entrepreneur Award. Sadeem won Best Global Startup at GITEX and took home $100,000. KAUST supports early-stage startups through accelerator programs like TAQADAM and 9/10ths, as well as the KAUST Research & Technology Park. Why it matters: This success highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom's growing startup ecosystem and economic diversification efforts.
KAUST Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini received the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Science and Technology (S&T) Achievement Award at the First OIC Summit on Science and Technology. The award recognizes Alouini's contributions to science and technology within the OIC member states. Why it matters: Recognition at the OIC level highlights KAUST's impact and Professor Alouini's leadership in advancing science and technology across the Islamic world.
KAUST's Women to Impact (WTI) initiative announced the winners of its Resilience Challenge, a global competition seeking tech-based solutions for building resilience in local ecosystems. The challenge, sponsored by SEDCO Holding, was part of KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program. First place went to AI-AMRS for their AI-based solution to antimicrobial resistance, while second and third place went to SandX/BiocharX for aridland agriculture and takeAbreath for stress management respectively. Why it matters: The challenge highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting women in STEM, while addressing pressing global issues like climate change, food security, and health.
Dr. Paula Moraga, an Assistant Professor at KAUST, has been awarded the 2023 Letten Prize for her work on disease surveillance systems. The prize recognizes researchers under 45 for contributions to health, development, environment, and equality. Moraga's research enables early epidemic detection, and she was selected from 164 applicants. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to public health research and underscores the importance of AI and data science in addressing global health challenges.