King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is advancing scientific research and innovation through new initiatives designed to build national capacity and develop Saudi talent.
The programs are part of the university’s broader mission to position the Kingdom as a global hub for knowledge, technology, and sustainable development.
According to the statement, the university’s programs, organized by the KAUST Academy, attract undergraduate students from 20 Saudi universities across 12 cities. These initiatives, which target students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, focus on key areas such as the university preparation program, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, cybersecurity, and transition energy.
KAUST aims to foster an environment of innovation, support sustainability, and contribute to the transition to a knowledge-based economy.
As part of its new strategic direction, KAUST has launched a Master’s program in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE), designed to equip students with the skills to turn innovative ideas into viable products and services.
The program combines hands-on projects with practical entrepreneurial training, including rapid design, business planning, and market strategy, fostering a new generation of tech-savvy innovators in the Kingdom.
The university has also established four new centers of excellence focused on national priorities, including smart health, generative artificial intelligence, sustainable food security, and renewable energy and storage. These centers attract distinguished professors to enhance academic research, advance scientific discovery, and cultivate a strong foundation of Saudi scientists and inventors.
KAUST has also established the National Transformation Institute and launched a deep tech innovation fund to further advance its mission, as per the statement.
