Jeddah, January 24, 2024, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) recently conducted its inaugural innovation program in Shenzhen, China, aiming to equip participants with the essential business strategies and technical expertise required to translate their concepts into market-ready products and services while addressing global challenges.
Named the ShenTech Bootcamp, the program, taking place from January 4 to 18, 2024, was a collaborative effort between KAUST and Shenzhen InnoX Academy (InnoX). Bringing together 45 startup founders, graduate students, and entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia, the bootcamp unfolded under the auspices of the KAUST Innovation Hub in Shenzhen.
The ShenTech Bootcamp, facilitated by InnoX, played a pivotal role in fostering technical solutions, engaging upstream, downstream, and supply chain partners, and enhancing human capabilities within the Greater Bay Area. Leveraging mentorship from both Chinese and international founders, participants gained practical skills essential for transforming innovative ideas into tangible products and successful ventures with real-world impact.
According to a press release from KAUST, this initiative signifies a strengthening of the Saudi-China tech exchange, aligning with the Kingdom's objective to broaden its technological partnerships in China. Shenzhen, often referred to as China's Silicon Valley, stands out as a prominent hub for research innovation and economic output.
Zexiang Li, the Founding Dean of InnoX and a visiting professor at KAUST, emphasized the growing significance of technological advancements in shaping the world. He underscored the role of innovators in navigating the complexities of the 21st century and beyond, noting that his role as a founder, engineer, and educator is to prepare emerging leaders to be critical thinkers and resilient entrepreneurs.
Dr. Jinchao Xu, the Director of KAUST Innovation Hub in Shenzhen and a Professor of applied mathematics and computational sciences at KAUST, highlighted KAUST's unique position as a globally leading research institution invested in technology development and commercialization. He expressed that Shenzhen serves as the ideal city to connect Saudi Arabia to China and the Greater Bay Area, positioning KAUST to make a significant impact on the global stage.
