Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster collaboration in technology and transportation. The partnership aims to support Saudi Arabia's technology and transport sector development through knowledge exchange. This follows VHO's prior technology partnership with the MiSK Foundation in 2017. Why it matters: The collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a hub for advanced transportation technology and innovation in the Gulf region.
KAUST research engineer Samy Ould-Chikh is collaborating with the Néel Institute-CNRS at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France. They are using the ESRF's high-energy synchrotron light source to study the inner structure of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. Ould-Chikh's research focuses on catalysis and functional materials, with an emphasis on renewable energy and photocatalysis. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights KAUST's engagement with leading international research institutions to advance materials science and energy research.
Researchers at MIT and QCRI developed Mapster, a human-in-the-loop street map editing system. Mapster incorporates high-precision automatic map inference, data refinement, and machine-assisted map editing. Evaluation across forty cities using satellite imagery, GPS trajectories, and ground-truth data demonstrates Mapster's ability to make automation practical for map editing. Why it matters: This system could significantly improve the accuracy and completeness of street maps in rapidly developing urban areas across the Middle East.
KAUST Professor Marc Genton received the International Statistical Institute's Service Award 2019 for his leadership as editor-in-chief of the journal Stat. His research group at KAUST focuses on developing statistical tools relevant to Saudi Arabia's knowledge economy transition. Genton is also working with the University of Notre Dame on wind energy implementation and infrastructure assessment for NEOM. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to statistical research and its application to renewable energy and economic development in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST and K.A.CARE have partnered to study solar irradiation and atmospheric weather conditions in Saudi Arabia, leveraging K.A.CARE's Renewable Resources Atlas Project. The collaboration uses KAUST's Shaheen II supercomputer to simulate weather and atmospheric conditions from 2005-2018. The long-term goal is daily forecasting of weather and air quality across the Arabian Peninsula. Why it matters: This initiative will provide crucial data for renewable energy development and environmental monitoring in the region, supporting Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals.
KAUST and ACWA Power have launched a Center of Excellence for Desalination and Solar Power following a memorandum of understanding signed on September 9. The collaboration aims to advance Saudi Arabia's position in water desalination and solar power technology. The center will focus on research in water quality monitoring and system performance modeling, leveraging KAUST's research centers. Why it matters: The partnership seeks to drive innovation and cost efficiencies in producing desalinated water and generating solar power, aligning with Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals.
KAUST startup Sadeem, which provides solar-powered smart city solutions for flood, traffic and environmental monitoring, won the Best Global Startup award in Dubai in 2017. Since then, Sadeem has focused on building its business model and infrastructure to accommodate expansion. Sadeem recently installed its smart city sensors, including the Aura air quality monitor, in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This expansion demonstrates the potential for Saudi-based startups to provide innovative solutions to local challenges and scale their impact internationally.
KAUST startup UnitX, founded by KAUST alumni Kiran Narayanan and Professor Ravi Samtaney, offers on-demand supercomputing services via a cloud-like platform. UnitX aims to democratize access to supercomputing for industries like finance, government, and manufacturing, enabling data-driven decisions and faster product design. The global market for supercomputing as a service is estimated at $224 billion with 25% year-on-year growth. Why it matters: This initiative could significantly boost AI and simulation capabilities for regional enterprises by providing access to advanced computing resources without the prohibitive costs of owning and operating supercomputers.
KAUST startup Quantum Solutions manufactures quantum dots, semiconducting nanoparticles that emit light with controllable energy. These dots are being explored for applications including displays, photodetectors, and solar cells. Quantum dots can enhance the efficiency of silicon solar panels by absorbing infrared light. Why it matters: This highlights the potential of KAUST-incubated startups to contribute to advanced materials science and renewable energy technologies in the region.
Insyab, a startup specializing in collaborative robotics and drone solutions, was founded by KAUST alumnus Dr. Ahmed Bader and KAUST Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini. Their flagship product, AirFabric™, is a broadband ultra-low-latency wireless connectivity solution enabling teams of unmanned vehicles to collaborate effectively. The technology allows robots to interact in real time and share learning, unlocking a "1+1=3" value proposition. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering deep-tech entrepreneurship and developing innovative solutions for industrial automation in the region.
KAUST Professor David Keyes will chair the International Supercomputing Conference (ISC) 2020 in Frankfurt, Germany. Keyes is the director of KAUST's Extreme Computing Research Center and will be the first program chair from a Middle Eastern institution. The conference will address high performance computing (HPC) topics including processing, storage, algorithms, and the convergence of simulation, machine learning, and big data. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's leadership in HPC within the Middle East, as the university is home to Shaheen II, the region's most powerful supercomputer.
KAUST Ph.D. students Kai Lu and Yuqing Chen won Best Presentation awards at a Society of Exploration Geophysicists workshop in Beijing. Lu's research focuses on machine learning applications in seismic processing, while Chen uses machine learning for automated semblance spectrum picking. They both leverage KAUST's Shaheen II supercomputer for their work. Why it matters: This highlights the increasing role of AI and ML in the oil and gas industry, and KAUST's contribution to advancing these technologies.
KAUST's Prototyping Core Lab, inaugurated in November 2018, offers tools from 3D printers to CNC machines, with expert support for users. The lab has registered over 260 users and delivered 300 training sessions since opening. It supports KAUST programs like hackathons and accelerators, aiding startups such as NOMADD and Sadeem. Why it matters: This lab fosters innovation and entrepreneurship within KAUST and across Saudi Arabia by providing essential prototyping resources and expertise.
KAUST has launched vFabLab™, its first virtual lab, to provide online distance learning for semiconductor fabrication. The virtual environment trains users on end-to-end device fabrication sequences using CMOS technology. Developed by KAUST's CEMSE division, each training session includes an interactive Q&A. Why it matters: This virtual lab expands access to crucial experimental modules in semiconductor fabrication, particularly benefiting students and enthusiasts lacking access to expensive cleanroom facilities in the region.
KAUST hosted the first SAP Mobile Hackathon on its campus from February 7-9, with 38 developers and designers participating. The hackathon focused on creating mobile apps for future smart cities and was the result of a partnership between SAP, KAUST Innovation and Economic Development, KAUST IT, and the KAUST Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering division. Approximately 55% of the participants were women. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering innovation and developing talent in Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas like software development and AI, to support the growth of smart cities in the region.
KAUST's Coastal and Marine Resources (CMR) Core Lab has been accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ISO/IEC 17025. The accreditation confirms the lab's competence in performing calibrations with global quality standards. KAUST is the first university in the Kingdom and the GCC region to receive such recognition for oceanographic instrument calibration. Why it matters: This certification enhances the reliability of research data and positions KAUST as a leader in marine research infrastructure within the region.
In 2019, the McLaren Group attended KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program to discuss their extreme performance research partnership. McLaren representatives highlighted the importance of the partnership, providing access to KAUST's researchers and facilities while offering real-world applications for technologies. McLaren emphasized the need for continuous improvement in high-speed R&D to maintain a competitive edge. Why it matters: This partnership highlights KAUST's role in providing advanced research capabilities to cutting-edge industries, fostering innovation and practical application of research in demanding environments.
KAUST Assistant Professor of Material Science and Engineering, Derya Baran, was named as one of MIT Technology Review's 'Innovators Under 35 in the MENA region' in 2018. Baran and her team founded iyris, a startup developing transparent photovoltaic technology to turn windows into solar panels. The technology aims to enable energy-efficient buildings by generating electricity and blocking heat. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation in sustainable energy and showcases the potential of advanced materials research for addressing regional environmental challenges.
KAUST will issue blockchain-anchored digital diplomas to all graduating students using the Blockcerts open standard. This makes KAUST one of the first universities worldwide to adopt this technology. The digital diplomas, issued through the Learning Machine Issuing System, offer secure and lifetime verification. Why it matters: This move enhances KAUST's position as a technology leader and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's digital transformation goals.
KAUST has signed a worldwide agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, granting the company access to two KAUST patents related to high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The patents enable atomic-resolution TEM imaging of electron beam–sensitive crystalline materials by minimizing beam damage using low doses of electrons. The technology also improves alignment of nano-sized crystals and delivers high signal-to-noise ratio images. Why it matters: This partnership enhances KAUST's role as a global technology university and strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for scientific advancement in materials science.
A KAUST-led team in collaboration with Japan's National Institute of Informatics and Cray Inc. has implemented a new algorithm to harness the power of supercomputers. The algorithm integrates new singular value decomposition (SVD) codes into Cray LibSci scientific libraries, supporting machine learning and data de-noising applications. This was achieved through the Cray Center of Excellence (CCOE) at KAUST, established in 2015. Why it matters: The new algorithm helps to optimize the use of advanced supercomputing infrastructure in the region, specifically KAUST's Shaheen II, for computationally intensive AI applications.
Air Products has joined the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) as a strategic partner. This collaboration grants Air Products access to KAUST's research, technologies, talent pool, and infrastructure, including the KAUST Core Labs. The partnership will focus on areas like carbon capture, gas separation, and hydrogen production. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens KAUST's role as a hub for industry collaboration and provides Air Products with access to cutting-edge research and expertise in sustainable technologies.
KAUST is focused on optimizing scientific research through IT, including high-performance computing and supercomputing. KAUST's CIO, Jason Roos, emphasizes that IT at KAUST prioritizes research support, drawing from his experience in mission-critical IT in healthcare. KAUST houses Shaheen II, the fastest supercomputer in the Middle East, managed with state-of-the-art facilities. Why it matters: This focus enhances KAUST's research capabilities, providing resources on par with national labs and attracting top talent in science and technology to the region.
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Research Center (WDRC) is dedicated to reducing the energy footprint of desalination, with Saudi Arabia being the largest producer of desalinated water globally. Biofouling, caused by organisms like the bay barnacle, increases the energy required for desalination and affects various sectors, including medical devices and marine vessels. Researchers at WDRC, including Professor Matthew McCabe and Director Johannes Vrouwenvelder, are exploring novel desalination technologies and anti-fouling agents to combat biofouling. Why it matters: Addressing biofouling is crucial for reducing the economic and ecological costs of desalination in water-scarce regions like Saudi Arabia and improving efficiency across multiple industries.
Lockheed Martin and KAUST have signed a Master Research Agreement, Lockheed Martin's first international one. Their initial collaboration will focus on integrating KAUST-developed flexible solar cells on UAVs to enhance operational endurance. The collaboration aims to support applications across sectors and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030. Why it matters: This partnership signifies a major step in advancing technological innovation in Saudi Arabia, particularly in aerospace and renewable energy applications for UAVs.
KAUST's Extreme Computing Research Center Director David Keyes will chair the technical program of the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis (SC18) in Dallas. Approximately 420 professional volunteers and 160 student volunteers are engaged in the technical program. During SC17, KAUST’s supercomputer Shaheen II was recognized as the fastest in the Middle East, and it is expected to retain this title at SC18. Why it matters: KAUST's leadership role highlights the university's growing influence in global supercomputing and positions the Kingdom as a key player in HPC research and development.
KAUST hosted the KAUST Sensor Initiative, convening experts in sensor development, material science, energy, communications, and data analysis. Live demonstrations showcased working prototypes, including a flexible sensor for monitoring the speed of dolphins developed by KAUST Ph.D. student Altynay Kaidarova. The initiative aims to advance a network of smarter, interactive physical IoT devices with embedded intelligent sensor technologies. Why it matters: This initiative highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation in sensor technology and IoT, crucial for advancing smart infrastructure and environmental monitoring in the region.
KAUST researchers developed a hybrid wireless communication system for non-invasive monitoring of marine animals, consisting of a lightweight, flexible, Bluetooth-enabled tag that stores sensor data underwater. The tag syncs data to floating receivers when the animal surfaces, which then relays the data via GSM or drones. The system is a collaboration between the Red Sea Research Center and KAUST's electrical engineering department. Why it matters: This technology provides researchers with detailed, near real-time data about marine animals, overcoming the limitations of invasive and impractical traditional tagging methods.
KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) has become a global hub for combustion research within four years of its inauguration. The CCRC focuses on developing expertise in efficient, clean, and economical fuel combustion, including a 10-year FUELCOM project with Saudi Aramco. The center utilizes specialized facilities and the KAUST supercomputer Shaheen to test computations and simulations, and also introduced CloudFlame for managing research data. Why it matters: The CCRC's work is crucial for improving the efficiency and sustainability of internal combustion engines, expected to remain relevant for the next 30-40 years.
Dr. Tarek Ali Fadaak, a Shura Council member, discussed the importance of environmental balance and improved resource management in Saudi urban planning during a 2018 KAUST lecture. He highlighted challenges like insufficient and poorly utilized open spaces in Saudi cities, emphasizing the need for aesthetic improvements and more public spaces. Fadaak stressed the importance of investing in the education of Saudi youth to drive future development and address these urban planning challenges. Why it matters: This underscores the ongoing focus on sustainable urban development and the role of Saudi talent in shaping future cities within the Kingdom, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
KAUST's Workshop Core Lab has upgraded its scientific glassblowing workshop with advanced equipment like precision lathes and coating machines. The facility produces bespoke scientific glass equipment for KAUST researchers using borosilicate and quartz glass. Senior glassblowers Ernest Neil Davison and Emilio Harina create intricate designs from prototype sketches. Why it matters: This enhances KAUST's research capabilities by providing high-quality, specialized glassware that Davison claims rivals that of other top universities globally.
MIT Professor Ahmed F. Ghoniem delivered a keynote at KAUST's Spring Enrichment Program discussing clean energy solutions for future cities. He emphasized a portfolio approach including electrochemical, solar thermochemical, and plasma technologies for renewable energy storage. Ghoniem highlighted the economic opportunities arising from clean energy technology deployment, R&D, and job creation. Why it matters: The focus on renewable energy and storage aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for sustainable urban development and diversification of the energy sector.
Khaled Alrashed, president and CEO of Saudi Electricity Company for Projects Development, discussed the challenges of future smart cities at a KAUST event. He emphasized the importance of smart grids, AI, and large-scale optimization for improving urban living. The Saudi Electricity Company is partnering with KAUST, including using the Shaheen supercomputer, to develop these technologies and predict grid load. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a leader in smart city technology and renewable energy, leveraging local expertise and resources.
The Dow Innovation Center at KAUST was inaugurated on May 15, 2018, to support Dow's research efforts in Saudi Arabia. The 13,500 m² center will house R&D facilities and the Dow Digital Marketplace Center. It will focus on oil and gas technology, sustainable coating, and industrial chemicals with state-of-the-art labs and offices. Why it matters: This center signifies a commitment to innovation and talent development in Saudi Arabia, fostering a highly skilled workforce and supporting the Kingdom's growth.
In a 2018 KAUST lecture, MIT professor Kamal Youcef-Toumi discussed the case of Ordos Kangbashi, a Chinese city designed for a million residents that became a near-ghost town. Despite government incentives, the city struggled due to an economic downturn and lack of social and economic balance. Youcef-Toumi emphasized the importance of the public realm and a balance between social and economic development for successful cities. Why it matters: The analysis provides insights relevant to urban planning in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region, where new cities and megaprojects are being developed.
KAUST and Fugro N.V. have inaugurated the KAUST – Fugro Center of Excellence (CoE) for Marine Technology. Fugro will provide access to advanced technologies for data collection in previously inaccessible sites of the Red Sea. They will also establish an ROV Training Academy (ROVTA) at KAUST to train Saudi students as ROV pilots and engineers. Why it matters: This partnership will enhance KAUST's marine research capabilities, support industrial partners, and advance the development of subsea research technologies in the region.
KAUST's Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC) developed Multiple Object Adaptive Optics (MOAO) software. The software will contribute to the activities of the world's largest future optical telescope to be deployed in Chile in 2024. MOAO will eliminate atmospheric noise and enable simultaneous observation of multiple objects at different distances. Why it matters: This contribution highlights KAUST's role in cutting-edge astronomical research and positions the Middle East as a key player in advancing observational astronomy.
KAUST Professor Boon Ooi, Nobel laureate Shuji Nakamura, and colleagues are collaborating on laser-based solid state lighting (SSL) and visible light communications (VLC). The team is using gallium nitride (GaN) to develop high-performance semiconductor laser devices, leveraging nanofabrication techniques at KAUST. They demonstrated that their laser-based VLC system is over 20 times faster than LED-based Li-Fi systems. Why it matters: This research could enable faster, more energy-efficient data transmission using visible light, with potential applications in both terrestrial and underwater communication.
A KAUST-led multidisciplinary research team is studying the feasibility of storing CO2 in subsurface rock structures in Saudi Arabia, specifically in Harrat near Madinah. The project, conducted under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, involves researchers from KAUST, King Abdulaziz University, and MEP. The team is investigating carbon capture and storage as a means to address climate change and meet Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Why it matters: This research could provide a pathway for Saudi Arabia to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts, aligning with the Kingdom's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.
The KAUST Research Conference on Recovery of Difficult Hydrocarbons, organized by the Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC), addressed challenges in the oil and gas industry related to meeting global hydrocarbon demand within environmental and economic constraints. The conference featured 39 presentations and focused on technical solutions for environmentally sound recovery from complex oil and gas fields in the Middle East. Discussions covered topics such as multi-scale heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs, multi-scale imaging fractures, and modeling hydrocarbons. Why it matters: The conference highlights KAUST's role in addressing critical challenges facing hydrocarbon-dependent economies in the region through research and technology development.
KAUST and Bruker Corporation have launched the KAUST–Bruker Center of Excellence (CoE) in Magnetic Resonance, formalizing a long-standing collaboration. The CoE will provide KAUST users access to cutting-edge magnetic resonance technologies and serve as a training site. Bruker showcased advanced technologies including the world's first 900 MHz wide-bore NMR spectrometer and a 500 MHz super wide-bore MRI spectrometer. Why it matters: This CoE enhances KAUST's position as a leading research institution in the region and fosters innovation in magnetic resonance research and applications.
Qurrat-Ul-Ain Nadeem, a Ph.D. student in electrical engineering at KAUST, is researching MIMO technology for 5G communication systems as part of the Communication Theory Lab (CTL). She holds a Bachelor's degree from LUMS, Pakistan, and previously completed her master's at KAUST in 2015. Nadeem chose KAUST over fully funded Ph.D. scholarships from Cornell and Wisconsin-Madison due to its research opportunities and diverse environment. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's ability to attract top talent and contribute to advancements in 5G technology, showcasing the university's role in fostering cutting-edge research within the region.
KAUST and Leica Microsystems inaugurated a Center of Excellence (CoE) for Optical Microscopy on March 12. The partnership aims to drive the use and implementation of advanced imaging systems for life science and materials research. KAUST expects this collaboration to significantly contribute to developments in these areas, benefiting both the university and the Kingdom. Why it matters: This center will enhance KAUST's research capabilities and support Saudi Arabia's scientific development objectives in life sciences and materials research.
KAUST held a research workshop on Optimization and Big Data, gathering researchers to discuss challenges and opportunities in the field. Speakers presented novel optimization algorithms and distributed systems for handling large datasets. The workshop featured 20 speakers from KAUST, global universities, and Microsoft Research. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role as a regional hub for advancing research and development in big data and optimization, crucial for AI and various computational fields.
Jysoo Lee, the facilities director of the KAUST Research Computing Core Labs, has been named one of HPCwire's "People to Watch 2018". Prior to KAUST, Lee was the director of the supercomputing center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information and the founding director general of the National Institute of Supercomputing and Networking in Korea. Lee notes that Saudi Vision 2030 offers increased opportunities for the Core Labs. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST leadership in HPC highlights the Kingdom's growing capabilities in advanced computing infrastructure.
In a 2018 keynote, Saudi Aramco VP Nasser Al-Nafisee recounted the rapid construction of KAUST. Al-Nafisee described building KAUST in under three years as a "mission impossible" requiring immense effort. He advised KAUST attendees to push beyond their comfort zones and adopt a "can-do attitude". Why it matters: The talk highlights the ambitious vision and rapid development that characterize Saudi Arabia's investments in research and technology.
KAUST participated in the Supercomputing Conference (SC17) in Denver, Colorado, with faculty, staff, and students. The university's Shaheen 2 Cray XC40 System was ranked the 20th fastest globally and the fastest in the Middle East. KAUST's IT department hosted talks featuring David Keyes, Jack Dongarra, Thierry-Laurent, Mootaz Elnozahy, and Jason Roos. Why it matters: KAUST's strong presence at SC17 highlights its commitment to advancing supercomputing capabilities in the Middle East and fostering international collaboration.
Lockheed Martin and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) signed a memorandum of understanding on November 15. The agreement was signed by Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson and KAUST Interim President Nadhmi Al-Nasr. Why it matters: This partnership could foster collaboration on advanced technology research and development in Saudi Arabia.
Sadeem, a startup founded by KAUST Ph.D. graduates, develops flood and traffic sensors powered by solar batteries and transceivers. The company's technology originated as a Ph.D. project and has been supported by the KAUST Entrepreneurship Center, including participation in the KAUST Hikma IP-based Startup Accelerator program. Sadeem's sensors are designed to mitigate damage and save lives from floods, with ten nodes currently operating on the KAUST campus. Why it matters: The development and deployment of such sensor technologies in Saudi Arabia could improve urban resilience and disaster response in flood-prone areas across the GCC region.
KAUST and Gulf Data Hub, along with Data Hub Tech and Ashi Bushnag Co., held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 18 to celebrate the development of a new data center on the KAUST campus. The data center will be built by Gulf Data Hub in partnership with the Saudi company Data Hub Tech and Jeddah-based design and contracting firm Ashi Bushnag Co. KAUST Interim President Nadhmi Al-Nasr and Gulf Data Hub CEO Tarek Al-Ashram exchanged gifts during the ceremony. Why it matters: This data center project signifies growing investment in Saudi Arabia's technological infrastructure and KAUST's role as a hub for innovation.