The Garage, Riyadh’s startup hub, is gearing up to host the inaugural edition of the "KAUST Future Forum 2024," organized by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) on February 12 and 13. Sponsored by Engineer Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the event aims to highlight the research and innovation achievements of KAUST over the past fifteen years.

High-Level Official and Academic Attendance

The KAUST Future Forum 2024 brings together a select group of prominent figures in leadership, government, academia, and industry to discuss and showcase the research breakthroughs and innovations made by the university.

Featuring 47 distinguished speakers and organizing seven key panel discussions, as well as an exhibit showcasing 20 innovative projects, the forum seeks to emphasize KAUST's role in advancing research, development, and innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aligning with national priorities.

The forum represents a platform to display the strategic alignment between the university's research and the new national priorities for research and development and innovation, announced in 2022 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KAUST. These priorities aim to increase research investments in the Kingdom to 2.5 percent of GDP and create high-value job opportunities in science and technology sectors.

Supporting Startups

The forum will also underscore the role of KAUST-related startups in fostering innovation and sustainability, such as Red Sea Farms specialized in sustainable farming technologies, and Wayakit offering biotechnology solutions for more sustainable cleaning and sterilization products. Advanced projects will be displayed, including those dedicated to coral reef restoration, solar cell technologies, and medical diagnostics using artificial intelligence.

Panel discussions will cover vital topics such as energy, health, the environment, investing in academics, attracting global talent, enhancing the role of women in science, and developing strategic partnerships. Professor Tony F. Chan, President of KAUST, emphasized that the university has laid a solid foundation for excellence in research, innovation, and talent development, noting that this event represents a unique opportunity to highlight the university's achievements and its commitment to the new strategy aligned with national priorities.

It is worth mentioning that registration for the forum is open to the public, providing an opportunity for those interested in science, technology, and innovation to participate in this landmark event.