Riyadh, December 5, 2024 – The Joint European Disruptive Initiative (JEDI) and the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) have announced a promising new partnership aimed at advancing research and technology. This collaboration, which was revealed during the three-day State visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Saudi Arabia, marks a significant step towards addressing some of the world’s most pressing global challenges through cutting-edge innovation.
According to an official press release from RDIA, the partnership reflects both organizations' shared commitment to identifying and launching groundbreaking research projects that aim to drive progress in key technological sectors. JEDI and RDIA intend to work together on a range of collaborative initiatives, with a focus on tackling critical issues such as energy, the environment, biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), and space exploration. These projects will harness the expertise of top researchers, young deeptech startups, and leaders in industry, ultimately pushing the frontiers of science and technology.
The strategic partnership is expected to result in the unveiling of joint "moonshot" research programs, which seek to address complex challenges through bold and innovative approaches. Additionally, both organizations plan to engage in technology foresight efforts, where they will pool their resources and expertise to predict and prepare for future technological trends. The first initiatives under this collaboration may be launched at the upcoming AI Action Summit in Paris, signaling the start of a new era of joint scientific exploration and development.
Dr. Mohammed Alotaibi, Acting Head of RDIA, emphasized that this partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national research and innovation priorities. He stated, “Activating this collaboration reflects our joint commitment with JEDI to exploring radical new approaches to innovation that align with our national research and innovation priorities for impactful science and technological advancement, and progress for our country and our society.” This statement underlines the importance of the partnership in driving forward Saudi Arabia’s vision for technological and scientific leadership on the global stage.
André Loesekrug-Pietri, Chairman and Scientific Director of JEDI, also shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that combining the strengths of JEDI and RDIA has the potential to transform the landscape of global innovation. “We are excited to share our moonshot R&D expertise with RDIA, recognizing the immense potential of combining our strengths to push the frontiers of science and technology, and solve some of society’s greatest challenges,” he said.
This collaboration between JEDI and RDIA represents a significant milestone in the global pursuit of transformative advancements in science and technology. By fostering international cooperation, the two organizations aim to address complex global challenges and create innovative solutions that will have a lasting impact on industries and societies worldwide. This partnership sets the stage for a new wave of advancements in advanced research and technology, paving the way for a future of sustainable, impactful innovation.