King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has entered into 13 local and international strategic partnerships to advance various areas of technology. These partnerships aim to establish a robust semiconductor system, create centers of excellence for emerging technologies and future communications, and develop highly skilled professionals. The collaborations were formed as part of the LEAP 2024 tech conference.
Read more: LEAP: Saudi KACST, Lenovo to develop largest computing cluster
Semiconductor system construction
In the semiconductor industry localization domain, KACST partnered with Alat Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), to construct and support the semiconductor system in the Kingdom. Additionally, KACST joined forces with the Global Semiconductor Group (GSG) to focus on electronic chip design, fostering local talent, and attracting global expertise and companies to the electronic chip design sector in Saudi Arabia.
"كاكست" تُعزز شراكاتها لدعم منظومة أشباه الموصلات وتسريع التطوير التقني في التقنيات الناشئة والاتصالات المُستقبلية.https://t.co/aBVsQ6pxtA#واس_علمي pic.twitter.com/mR8q4zuAGa
— واس العلمي (@SPA_sci) March 4, 2024
Future communications and open networks
To accelerate advancements in future communications and open networks, KACST forged strategic alliances with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), and Saudi Aramco. Together, they established a national technical and industrial consortium in the fields of 5G and 6G communications technologies and Open RAN. The aim is to create an ecosystem that stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship in future communication technologies, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading developer of 6G technologies worldwide.
Saudi Accelerated Innovation Center
KACST, in collaboration with Aramco, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the RDIA, and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, launched the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Center. The center’s objectives include enhancing quantum technologies and developing 5G and 6G communication networks.
Enhancing the application of Web3 system
Furthermore, KACST established a strategic partnership with Animoca Brands to enhance the application of the Web 3 system in Saudi Arabia. This partnership aims to facilitate the entry of companies and institutions into the Web 3 system, identify joint research and development projects in blockchain applications, games, artificial intelligence, and metaverse development.
Fostering innovation in digital health
In the realm of public health, KACST partnered with Ascend Solutions Ltd. to drive innovation in digital health and disability research. The collaboration aims to promote virtual healthcare and contribute to the development of innovative health technologies utilizing AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
Establishing the Virtual Digital Innovation Center
To localize emerging technologies and develop future cities, KACST signed a strategic partnership with Cisco Saudi Arabia Limited Company to establish the Virtual Digital Innovation Center (VDIC).
Enhancing cooperation in future city technologies
Additionally, KACST entered into strategic partnerships with Elm Company to enhance cooperation in future city technologies and emerging technologies, and with Tulip Technologies Company to foster collaboration in research, development, and training in the fields of robotics, AI, and automation.
Focus on heavy trucks and future transportation technologies
To accomplish the objectives of the Made in Saudi Program, KACST partnered with CiDi Auto (Hong Kong) Limited to collaborate on research and development activities related to heavy trucks, future transportation technologies, and smart cities. The partnership aims to explore the feasibility of supplying the Saudi market with these trucks and work on the research, design, and manufacturing of vehicles in Saudi Arabia for the international market. Furthermore, the partnership facilitates the testing and implementation of new technologies in KACST laboratories, the establishment of shared laboratories, and the hosting of technical companies focusing on research, development, and innovation.
Development of science and technology parks
In order to foster innovation, KACST established a partnership with the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited to develop the infrastructure of science and technology parks in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to facilitate the entry of companies from Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong into potential markets, support their success and adaptation, and create opportunities for cooperation in digital service platforms and programs to enhance operational efficiency and provide services in science and technology domains.
Development of national talent
Regarding the development of national talent, the Academy 32 at KACST partnered with Cisco Saudi Arabia Limited and Nortal to transfer knowledge and provide training for human resources in the field of professional certificates in information technology.
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