Jeddah, January 10, 2025 – King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has strengthened its position as a major driver of technological innovation by graduating 46 deep-tech startups within the KACST Venture Program (KVP), as part of the efforts of the Innovation Parks to commercialize research and development (R&D) outputs into quality projects that contribute to the national economy and promote sustainable development in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.
The achievement comes as part of the Innovation Oasis' efforts to commercialize research and development outputs into quality projects that contribute to the national economy and promote sustainable development in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
According to a news release issued by the KACST today, the companies that graduated from the program reflect KACST's commitment to supporting researchers and innovators to maximize the use of R&D assets to deliver technology solutions that support strategic sectors linked to the national priorities in research, development, and innovation and offer promising opportunities in the Kingdom.
The graduating companies offer innovative solutions that reflect the Kingdom's vision in Saudization of advanced technologies in the fields of health, environment and sustainability, energy and industry, and economies of the future.
The news release said that one of the most prominent companies that made a paradigm shift in the health sector is Alamy, which is an innovative digital health platform that aims to improve chronic pain management by integrating artificial-intelligence (AI) technologies with smartphone apps and wearable devices. The app allows users to monitor their health status and create personalized treatment plans.
Another health company, PainTech Solutions, presented advanced medical patches that work effectively to safely relieve pain, providing a practical and non-surgical solution for patients suffering from chronic pains.
MammoStem is distinguished by developing innovative medical technologies for the treatment and repair of breast tissues using regenerative medicine, bringing hope to women who have undergone mastectomy surgeries and improving their lives by restoring damaged tissue, breast form and function, and enhancing confidence.
According to the statement, SAI improved drug delivery with a smart device designed to support people with chronic diseases, minimizing the challenges they face with traditional therapies and ensuring better adherence to the treatment plan for proper healthcare.
VaccaTech developed an innovative DNA-based vaccine to protect poultry from two major viruses, providing an effective solution to safeguard them from diseases with high economic impact, protect livestock and enhance food security.
Black Seed introduced an innovative approach to the treatment of complex cancers, utilizing the therapeutic properties of black seed to develop safe, effective, and low-cost natural therapies that improve cancer control and expand treatment options.
Biotech Biocontrol Solutions succeeded in combating infectious diseases by introducing environmentally friendly technologies based on AI that enhance national health efforts and improve public health by providing sustainable solutions to deal with disease vectors.
CANCERas led advanced efforts in the field of cancer treatment and early detection of diseased cells by developing innovative technologies based on CRISPR technology to target genetic mutations in cancer cells, contributing to minimizing collateral damage to healthy cells. The company uses AI and deep learning models to design accurate solutions and predict the safety and efficacy of CRISPR-based technologies, a paradigm shift from traditional treatment methods in which treatments are tailored to meet the needs of each patient based on their unique genetic mutations.
In the energy and industrial sector, Future Food Company pioneered an innovative technology for drying agricultural products, preserving their original properties to enhance food security in the Kingdom.
Similarly, Artificial Palm Wood developed a groundbreaking technology redefining the concept of sustainability by converting palm waste into eco-friendly artificial wood suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. The technology not only contributes to waste reduction but also serves as a cornerstone in achieving the Kingdom's ambitious environmental sustainability goals through optimal resource utilization.
Ishraq demonstrated leadership in industrial safety by developing advanced systems utilizing nanotechnology and AI for early detection of hazardous, flammable, and explosive gases, ensuring safe working environments in industrial facilities.
Meanwhile, BeamTech launched a unique device that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of proton therapy, revolutionizing radiation therapy centers. Its innovative technology brings hope to patients by reducing waiting periods and elevating the standard of advanced healthcare services.
In the field of future economies, INEXACT LABS reimagined machine learning platforms for AI applications, making them adaptive, scalable, and energy efficient.
Three Clicks, specializing in data analytics using AI, assists organizations in making precise, well-informed decisions based on advanced analytics, improving operational efficiency and boosting competitiveness. Such innovations support the Kingdom’s efforts in addressing digital economy challenges.
“Advanced Future Technology” operates with a practical model for environmental protection by employing smart sensors to support sustainable agriculture, reducing water and energy consumption, aligning with the Kingdom's Green Initiative and national sustainability objectives.
“Arabicoach” introduced a leading educational platform blending technological innovation with cultural elements, serving as a global gateway for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Leveraging AI, the platform provides a personalized learning experience catering to users’ cultural, academic, and tourism-related needs, opening new horizons for promoting and empowering the Arabic language globally.
In the cybersecurity field, AJAZ developed AI-driven tools with high capabilities to counter growing cyber threats and detect malware, providing digital protection for Saudi institutions.
CUBEFARM crafted a unique model for modern farming that integrates AI with aeroponic agriculture, redefining urban food security and greening cityscapes. Their technologies utilize unused spaces, such as rooftops and parking lots, transforming them into smart farms and sustainable oases.
Fortify innovated solutions to secure delivery services, leveraging the internet of things to create an intelligent system that protects goods and enhances the efficiency of transportation operations. The company presents an integrated vision to support the logistics sector in the Kingdom, featuring high standards of security and reliability to bolster customer confidence.
EDCU launched an inspiring initiative in the space sector by focusing on designing and manufacturing small satellites that support education and scientific research, opening new opportunities for innovation and discovery in space-related technologies and research.
In sustainability and environmental efforts, PureSky developed a technology that extracts water from dry air to provide a reliable source of water in arid regions. It supports sustainable agriculture and alleviates pressure on traditional water resources, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to comprehensive environmental sustainability.
According to the statement, MAHAF redefined the concepts of sustainability and logistics by offering a comprehensive range of solutions using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to deliver medical supplies and commercial parcels with unprecedented efficiency and speed, relying on modern technologies that ensure accuracy and reliability.
The company has also been able to provide aerial mapping and reconnaissance services, providing accurate and integrated insights that support urban planning and environmental project management.
SESRM transformed mining waste into sustainable building materials, embodying a practical shift towards a recycling economy to minimize negative environmental impacts and open new horizons in the field of construction using innovative technologies that support resource conservation and promote the efficient use of materials.
GeoAI is characterized by integrating AI with satellite imagery to provide insights and reliable information to analyze environmental and social data, helping decision makers to make informed decisions to achieve sustainable development, putting the Kingdom in a pioneering position in adopting smart technologies to serve the environment and society.
Among the projects graduating from the KACST Startup Program are a distinguished group of companies and initiatives that represent a wide range of vital sectors. These include companies such as In Process Measurement Solutions, which specializes in advanced measurement technologies, Shades of Play, which focuses on the development of cultural digital gaming content, and Smart Compress, which specializes in developing caregiver services using innovative technologies, and Smart Disinfections, which is concerned with smart sterilization technologies using a nano-coating solution.
Graduate startups also include VisiGround, which offers an innovative solution for detecting buried pipes and locating leaks using a robot-mounted subsurface imaging radar system, VR Platform for Industrial Trainings, which redefines industrial training using virtual reality, HPC SKY, which specializes in high-performance cloud computing, and EA Systems and Maushor, which offer advanced technologies in many fields, including turning video footage into valuable information using algorithms.
Agri PV Co. provides comprehensive solar engineering solutions for the agricultural sector, and The Saudi Home in 30 Days promotes the use of automation and robotics to accelerate sustainable building solutions. The Carbon Nanotubes Production project focuses on the production of carbon nanotubes to reduce production costs and expand the use of these materials in many applications, Glass Earth KSA focuses on geophysical survey technologies to explore the Kingdom's resources, Hydrosense Technology provides advanced hydrogen detection solutions, and Holistic Solutions LTD provides high-performance coatings solutions.
Among the startups, RadiTrack provides sensors for reading radiation doses, PHOTOENERGY-TEC focuses on next-generation technologies through photodetectors, REKAB provides innovative solutions in the logistics sector, Riad Instruments designs and develops scientific instruments, and TeraSa focuses on developing sensor technologies for defense and security applications.
The companies graduating from the KACST Startup Program represent a practical example of KACST's vision to support innovators by cultivating an environment that empowers innovators to develop competitive, high-value products while generating new employment opportunities for Saudi youth.