The Future of Semiconductors Forum in Riyadh was part of the training and jobs provided in the manufacture of semiconductors, to preparedly inspire Saudi Arabia's new, sharp, and creative minds.
The attendees of the event were figures of distinction, government officials, and specialists from invested companies around the world, where billions were invested in the establishment of a knowledge economy.
The forum featured presentations and ideas that will mold the future of semiconductors, including programs such as the National Capability Center for Semiconductors and the Ignition Semiconductor Incubator Program. The event further brought to light the stories of success of Saudi high school students in the sector of semiconductors.
Riyadh, June 10, 2024. Third Future of Semiconductors Forum in Riyadh featured a blueprint that seeks to provide thousands of high-value training and employment opportunities. It was organized by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), seeking to motive Saudi men and women who are hands-on and inventive in manufacturing semiconductors. A good number of individuals were in attendance, among them Eng. Abdullah Al-Sawaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of KACST, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, the Minister of Investment, Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, the President of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, and Dr. Enas Al-Issa, the President of Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University. Additional attendees included over forty local and international experts.
The event was successful in luring investments from around the world and bringing attention to the Kingdom's efforts to develop an innovative digital economy. More than 1,500 professionals and fans were present at the event, and more than 40,000 people from fifty different countries watched it. The event was a success. At this event, the Kingdom showed some extraordinary presentations and ideas that will help them shape the future of semiconductors and find new ways to encourage creativity. The main aim for the Kingdom is to define the future semiconductor industry. Dr. Munir Eldesouki, President of KACST, emphasized the profound conversations and unique thoughts that occurred over the course of the two days.
These discussions and concepts reflect the Kingdom's potential future in the field of semiconductors. Numerous efforts aimed at shaping the future of semiconductors yielded a significant outcome.The National Capability Center for Semiconductors, a Master's Program in Semiconductors, the "Ignition" Semiconductor Incubator Program, and the National Semiconductor Hub were among the efforts presented to the public. By 2030, we expect the Kingdom's electronic chip sector to grow and become more localized through these initiatives.
We will also provide thorough training, encourage entrepreneurship, and attract investment in deep technologies. The session also highlighted the success stories of bright Saudi high school students. These kids include Sara Al-Shiddi and Fajr Al-Khulayfi, both of whom have earned international notice for their inventions and research initiatives.Dr. Shuji Nakamura, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics, Professor Kang Wang from UCLA, Professor Steven P. DenBaars from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Goutam Chattopadhyay from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration were among the notable individuals who participated in the forum. The eight scientific sessions covered a variety of topics, including the state of the Saudi Arabian semiconductor industry, advancements in semiconductors for space exploration, the path to 6G communications, photonics, semiconductor packaging technology, integrated sensors for the Internet of Things, and electronic chips in electric cars.
In addition to the scientific meetings, there was also an expo that showcased the most recent developments in semiconductor technology manufactured by both domestic and international companies. Additionally, there were research posters displayed by students from Saudi universities.Saudi Arabia has established a strong foundation for its efforts to localize semiconductor manufacturing, generate employment opportunities, and attract global investment with the help of the Future of Semiconductors Forum 2024. All of these objectives are in accordance with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
