Latest news with #KingAbdulazizCityforScienceandTechnology
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Riyadh festival inspires youth with math, tech focus
RIYADH: The second STEAM Festival, themed 'Math, the Language of Science,' ended at the King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The event featured 25 interactive pavilions, dialogue sessions, theatrical performances and workshops focused on science and innovation. It was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the National Institute for Educational Professional Development and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, with support from the Riyadh Foundation for Science. The festival drew thousands of students from across the Kingdom, more than 400 volunteers and more than 800 teachers who took part in workshops. Attendees embarked on an inspiring educational journey through Arab, Islamic and Saudi scientific heritage, modern mathematical applications, emerging technologies and future opportunities. Specialized panel discussions led by experts explored key topics in mathematics, technology and innovation, the SPA reported. The festival also marked the launch of a national initiative to promote science and technology festivals. The scheme aims to spark youth interest in STEM, nurture innovation skills and build globally competitive generations.
Leaders
21-04-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Launches Chipathon to Localize Semiconductor Technologies
Saudi Arabia has officially launched the first hackathon for innovation in semiconductor technologies, according to the Saudi Press Agency. In a remarkable milestone, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has organized the 'Chipathon,' the first event for integrated circuit designs in the Kingdom. In collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the Chipathon seeks to support national talents and provide them with practical experiences through the use of advanced design tools. Sponsored by ALAT, Siemens, and CDT Holding, the event aims to prepare a national hub for engineers and designers of electronic chips. Application and Selection Chipathon Importantly, the Chipathon received applications from more than 700 male and female students from 31 Saudi universities. Consequently, the event selected over 250 students from 25 universities who had been qualified for the participation. Training Phase Chipathon Supervised by the Saudi Semiconductors Program (SSP) and Academy 32, the participants will have an exclusive opportunity to develop their experiences and learn more about the application of electronic chips in several fields such as Internet of Things (IoT). Through the use of globally recognized Siemens tools, the participants will undergo an intensive 20-hour training program. During the training phase, 30 participants will be selected and divided into 10 teams. Final Phase Chipathon As for the final phase of the Chipathon, the teams will introduce creative solutions to address the challenges of chip design. Then, a panel of expert judges including prominent specialists in the semiconductor industry will evaluate these solutions. Localization of Semiconductor Chipathon In line with the Saudi Vision 2030, the hackathon paves the way for localization of semiconductor technologies. By launching this event, Saudi Arabia seeks to position the Kingdom as a prestigious regional hub for semiconductor technologies. Related Topics: University of Jeddah Secures 1st Place at Harvard Health Hackathon Over 400 Participants Compete to Drive Innovation in Injaz Hackathon ROSHN Launches Hackathon 24, Largest PropTech Competition in Region Short link : Post Views: 32
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: KACST to set up Quantum Valley with major firms
Saudi Arabia - King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is working with Aramco and Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) on establishing a Quantum Valley by leveraging strategic partnerships with major quantum companies such as IBM and Pasqal to operate the first quantum computer in the Kingdom. Dr Talal bin Ahmad Al-Sudairy, Senior Vice President of KACST for Research and Development, revealed this during the World Quantum Day 2025" events, organised by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia, in partnership with KACST. President of KACST and Chairman of the Centre's Board of Directors, Dr Munir bin Mahmoud El-Desouki, along with a distinguished group of experts and enthusiasts in future technologies from within and outside the Kingdom took part in the event. Dr Al-Sudairy said: 'In the Kingdom, the future is not a distant dream — it is being translated in the quantum labs at KACST, discussed in the innovation centres in NEOM, and tested in the startup garage. We are working on building an ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, and innovation.' Dr Basma Al-Buhairan, Managing Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia, stated in her opening speech that 'quantum science is no longer confined to theoretical frameworks; today, it has become a main driver for developing practical solutions that meet societal needs and help address global challenges'. Dr Al-Buhairan explained that the 'UpLink' challenge embodies an effective model of integration between tech innovators and decision-makers, supporting the building of a more advanced and sustainable future. Startups honoured The event witnessed the honouring of the top 10 innovative startups from various countries in the 'Quantum for Society' challenge, launched by the Centre in collaboration with the World Economic Forum's 'UpLink' platform. The aim was to support startups and entrepreneurs using quantum technologies to offer practical solutions to global challenges in fields such as climate change, sustainability, healthcare, and water. Among the winning startups was the German firm Planqc, which developed quantum computers to improve supply chains, discover materials, and accelerate drug development. A UK startup, Quantum Dice, developed advanced quantum algorithms to enhance energy efficiency in computational processes, while the Brazilian company Qnity introduced a high-precision solution for detecting molecular interactions, accelerating new drug discovery. In the environmental field, the Spanish startup, PlanetaiSpace, launched the 'QUANTUM-AQUA' initiative, which uses satellite technologies and quantum machine learning to detect groundwater depletion early. In the health sector, the UK startup, Quantasphere developed advanced quantum solutions to enhance data security in healthcare, while the Finnish company Algorithmiq offered a software platform that links quantum and classical systems for drug discovery and patient-specific treatment customization. The US startup, Xairos, developed quantum time-transfer technology that provides ultra-accurate global timing for telecommunications networks, data centers, and financial institutions. In the energy and geology sectors, the Australian startup, Nomad Atomics, introduced a technology enabling precise imaging of subsurface dynamics using gravity, enabling effective applications for carbon dioxide storage. The Canadian startup, Quminex, developed solutions based on quantum intelligence and unsupervised learning to efficiently detect critical mineral deposits, while the Spanish company Quantum Mads developed technologies to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants using quantum computing, reducing energy consumption and improving environmental resource management. World Quantum Day activities also featured a series of panel sessions that discussed the applications of quantum in vital areas such as healthcare, cybersecurity, computer science, education, and communications. These included discussions on the importance of governance and investment strategies for the next phase of the quantum transformation, in addition to workshops hosted by the Saudi Society for Quantum Computing, which presented advanced concepts in quantum computing—most notably the concept of 'entanglement swapping' and its expanding applications. The event also included a tech exhibition showcasing the history and future evolution of quantum sciences. The organisation of this event comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts to strengthen its position in the field of future technologies and to support the "quantum economy" project. April 14 was selected as an annual occasion to celebrate quantum science, in line with the United Nations' declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. - TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
15-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
KACST to set up Quantum Valley with major firms
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is working with Aramco and Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) on establishing a Quantum Valley by leveraging strategic partnerships with major quantum companies such as IBM and Pasqal to operate the first quantum computer in the Kingdom. Dr Talal bin Ahmad Al-Sudairy, Senior Vice President of KACST for Research and Development, revealed this during the World Quantum Day 2025" events, organised by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia, in partnership with KACST. President of KACST and Chairman of the Centre's Board of Directors, Dr Munir bin Mahmoud El-Desouki, along with a distinguished group of experts and enthusiasts in future technologies from within and outside the Kingdom took part in the event. Dr Al-Sudairy said: 'In the Kingdom, the future is not a distant dream — it is being translated in the quantum labs at KACST, discussed in the innovation centres in NEOM, and tested in the startup garage. We are working on building an ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, and innovation.' Dr Basma Al-Buhairan, Managing Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia, stated in her opening speech that 'quantum science is no longer confined to theoretical frameworks; today, it has become a main driver for developing practical solutions that meet societal needs and help address global challenges'. Dr Al-Buhairan explained that the 'UpLink' challenge embodies an effective model of integration between tech innovators and decision-makers, supporting the building of a more advanced and sustainable future. Startups honoured The event witnessed the honouring of the top 10 innovative startups from various countries in the 'Quantum for Society' challenge, launched by the Centre in collaboration with the World Economic Forum's 'UpLink' platform. The aim was to support startups and entrepreneurs using quantum technologies to offer practical solutions to global challenges in fields such as climate change, sustainability, healthcare, and water. Among the winning startups was the German firm Planqc, which developed quantum computers to improve supply chains, discover materials, and accelerate drug development. A UK startup, Quantum Dice, developed advanced quantum algorithms to enhance energy efficiency in computational processes, while the Brazilian company Qnity introduced a high-precision solution for detecting molecular interactions, accelerating new drug discovery. In the environmental field, the Spanish startup, PlanetaiSpace, launched the 'QUANTUM-AQUA' initiative, which uses satellite technologies and quantum machine learning to detect groundwater depletion early. In the health sector, the UK startup, Quantasphere developed advanced quantum solutions to enhance data security in healthcare, while the Finnish company Algorithmiq offered a software platform that links quantum and classical systems for drug discovery and patient-specific treatment customization. The US startup, Xairos, developed quantum time-transfer technology that provides ultra-accurate global timing for telecommunications networks, data centers, and financial institutions. In the energy and geology sectors, the Australian startup, Nomad Atomics, introduced a technology enabling precise imaging of subsurface dynamics using gravity, enabling effective applications for carbon dioxide storage. The Canadian startup, Quminex, developed solutions based on quantum intelligence and unsupervised learning to efficiently detect critical mineral deposits, while the Spanish company Quantum Mads developed technologies to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants using quantum computing, reducing energy consumption and improving environmental resource management. World Quantum Day activities also featured a series of panel sessions that discussed the applications of quantum in vital areas such as healthcare, cybersecurity, computer science, education, and communications. These included discussions on the importance of governance and investment strategies for the next phase of the quantum transformation, in addition to workshops hosted by the Saudi Society for Quantum Computing, which presented advanced concepts in quantum computing—most notably the concept of 'entanglement swapping' and its expanding applications. The event also included a tech exhibition showcasing the history and future evolution of quantum sciences. The organisation of this event comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts to strengthen its position in the field of future technologies and to support the "quantum economy" project. April 14 was selected as an annual occasion to celebrate quantum science, in line with the United Nations' declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. - TradeArabia News Service
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New streetlight coating reflects 95% light and lets 80% infrared heat escape
Streetlights keep us safe at night but also contribute to global carbon emissions. Lighting accounts for 20% of the world's electricity consumption and nearly 6% of greenhouse gas emissions. Now, researchers have developed a new nanomaterial called nanoPE for street lights. This nanomaterial fulfills two key roles: efficient heat removal and enhanced light output. Moreover, these nanomaterials have the potential to decrease the carbon footprint of LED streetlights. For instance, this technology could reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the United States by one million metric tons. The development was made by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). "LEDs are preferred light sources because of their superior efficiency and lifespan. But small enhancements can improve them even more, and that can make a big difference to sustainability, because even small improvements have a big effect when used everywhere," said Professor Qiaoqiang Gan, the study leader from KAUST. Light-emitting diodes (LED) are energy efficient compared to standard lighting but are not immune to heat generation. LED heat damages electronics, shortens lifespan, and wastes 75% of input energy. The newly designed nanomaterial aims to address these major issues in LED technology. nanoPE allows for efficient heat dissipation while maximizing usable light output. It cools LEDs by promoting the release of heat from their surface. This nanomaterial is composed of polyethylene – the world's most common plastic. The team developed a process to transform this material into a nanoplastic with unique optical properties. It was stretched into a thin sheet. The material was engineered with 30-nanometer pores, which are approximately 1,000 times smaller than a human hair's width. This unique structure allows it to manage light selectively. It allows infrared light (the main heat source) to escape while reflecting visible light down to illuminate the street. Typical LED streetlights take a straightforward approach by directing light downwards to illuminate the intended area. This conventional design unintentionally traps the thermal radiation generated by the LED within the device itself. In contrast, the innovative nanoPE-coated streetlights adopt a bit different approach. Through inverted orientation, these lights are directed skyward, away from the object to be illuminated. This unconventional design allows the thermal radiation to escape into the atmosphere, while the nanoPE coating reflects the visible light downwards for the desired illumination of the roads or footpaths. Interestingly, the result showcased that the material allows over 80% of the infrared light to escape upwards, cooling the LED. Simultaneously, it reflects more than 95% of the visible light downwards to function as a streetlight. "Our design significantly improves LED cooling while maintaining high illumination efficiency, making it a promising solution for sustainable lighting in Saudi Arabia," said Hussam Qasem, General Manager of the Future Energy Technologies Institute at KACST, in the press release. Even a simple change, like redesigning streetlights, can greatly contribute to a sustainable future. The findings of this development were reported in the journal Light: Science & Applications.
