Jeddah, April 06, 2024, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is taking significant strides in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), positioning itself as a premier academic institution in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. This commitment is evident in KAUST's robust infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies managed by top experts, and strategic collaborations with key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
KAUST's emphasis on integrating AI into critical sectors with national significance aligns closely with the objectives outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030. This strategic focus encompasses areas such as security, energy, data analytics, and healthcare, reflecting KAUST's dedication to driving innovation and enhancing human capabilities through AI advancements.
As part of its initiative to bolster AI expertise, KAUST has launched various science and technology-based training programs under the KAUST Academy's "Continuing Education" initiative. Since its launch in 2022, the KAUST Academy has successfully delivered six training programs and three summer camps, collaborating with 20 universities across Saudi Arabia. These programs have attracted participants from 12 cities within the Kingdom, with a notable 70% representation of women. By the end of 2022, the Academy had trained approximately 2,000 students, with contributions from distinguished experts like Professor Jurgen Schmidhuber, renowned as the "father of modern AI."
KAUST aims to leverage AI capabilities to process information swiftly, drive innovation, extract valuable insights, and implement effective skill development plans. The establishment of the KAUST Academy as a tuition-free training platform underscores KAUST's commitment to providing accessible education opportunities to all citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia, regardless of their backgrounds.
Moreover, KAUST is actively fostering capabilities in various areas that align with national priorities, including cybersecurity, bioinformatics, applied sciences, computer sciences, business analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics. Its participation in prestigious events like the 2022 Global AI Summit in Riyadh has showcased KAUST's groundbreaking projects in AI and deep neural networks (DNNs), highlighting its role as a leader in AI research and talent cultivation in the Kingdom.
Through collaborations such as the University of Oxford's program, integrated into KAUST's educational offerings, the university aims to strengthen partnerships and equip students with cutting-edge technological skills. This initiative reflects KAUST's commitment to nurturing interdisciplinary education and creating opportunities for both local and global engagement in AI innovation and education.
