Latest news with #OceanQuest
Gulf Business
08-08-2025
- Science
- Gulf Business
OceanQuest's CEO on why deep-ocean science should be globally collaborative but locally relevant
Images: Supplied Saudi Arabia's At the helm is Professor Dr Martin Visbeck, a renowned oceanographer with nearly 40 years of experience. His career spans high-impact ocean-climate research, leadership in international initiatives like the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and a strong focus on using tech and collaboration to unlock the ocean's hidden potential. Now, as CEO of OceanQuest, he's setting out to drive innovation while supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals and expanding the country's role in global marine science. Here, we chat with him about the organisation's vision and wider goals. What made you want to become CEO of OceanQuest, and how has your background in ocean science shaped your vision? OceanQuest's vision was truly inspiring to me, and I saw it as a unique opportunity to lead an organisation committed to unveiling the wonders of the deep ocean for the benefit of humanity. With almost 40 years of experience in ocean science, including more than 20 ocean expeditions and several international research projects, I've developed a deep passion for discovery and global collaboration. As CEO, I'm focused on accelerating exploration while championing equitable partnerships that ensure scientific innovation benefits everyone, everywhere. OceanQuest aims to explore the deep ocean and promote global teamwork. How will you balance science with regional needs, especially in the Gulf? OceanQuest's mission is based on the idea that deep-ocean science should be globally collaborative but locally relevant. As a Saudi not-for-profit foundation, we're in a unique position to explore deep ocean regions from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and Tropical and South Atlantic, while simultaneously developing local scientific leadership in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region. We prioritise elevating regional voices through hands-on roles in international missions like the recent Africa expedition, targeted capacity-building efforts, and regional partnerships. For example, earlier this year, three Saudi early-career ocean professionals joined international teams aboard the OceanXplorer. This shows how we enable local talent to contribute meaningfully to global deep-ocean dialogue — not just close to home but across international waters. Your work with OceanX featured advanced tech like robotics, AI, and digital twins. How are these tools changing deep sea research? The deep ocean is one of the most challenging environments to study — vast, dark, high-pressure, and remote. That's why breakthroughs in robotics, AI, and smart sensors are transforming what's possible. At OceanQuest, we've taken a technology-first approach focused on seamounts — undersea mountains that make up just 5 per cent of the deep ocean yet are essential to biodiversity, carbon cycling, and marine mixing. These ecosystems also have untapped biomedical potential, yet most remain uncharted and unprotected. We use robotic fleets with advanced sensors to scan seamounts, collect high-res environmental data, and capture real-time imagery. That data feeds into digital twins — AI-powered, dynamic models that simulate how ecosystems function and respond to environmental pressures. These tools reduce the need for constant human presence, make research more scalable, and help scientists and policymakers test conservation strategies virtually. They're not just helping us explore more, but also helping build the global baseline data needed to protect these hidden frontiers. Can you share a recent example from an expedition that shows how new technology is changing how we explore the ocean? Yes, in our recent missions, we've used high-fidelity camera systems and robotic specimen sampling tools that work in tandem with AI to improve species detection. We've also leveraged Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a rapid biodiversity monitoring tool, which provides faster insights than traditional methods. However, eDNA still requires validation with real-world sampling, which is why we emphasize integrated, multidisciplinary research. The combination of advanced imaging, robotics, AI, and eDNA gives us a much clearer and quicker understanding of deep-sea ecosystems than ever before. Why was Saudi Arabia the right place to launch OceanQuest, and how does it support the kingdom's sustainability goals? Saudi Arabia is strategically located along key marine ecosystems, particularly the Red Sea, which makes it an ideal hub for deep ocean research. OceanQuest supports the kingdom's Vision 2030 priorities by focusing on technology, AI, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Our foundation is set to contribute to the national research and innovation targets with SAR3bn in R&D funding by 2050, supporting over 150 scientists each year. We also aim to inspire the next generation of ocean scientists and STEM professionals in the region through education and outreach, further supporting the kingdom's goal of nurturing a knowledge-based society. By advancing global deep-ocean science from Saudi Arabia, we're not only contributing to the country's growth but positioning it as a leader in marine innovation and sustainability. After the UN Ocean Conference, what are OceanQuest's top goals for the next year or so? After our debut at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, our top priority is protecting vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems, especially seamounts. These ecosystems are critical to ocean health but remain largely unexplored and at risk. We aim to generate robust baseline data to inform international conservation strategies and sustainable ocean governance. We're also scaling our support for Early-Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) through expedition participation, mentorship programs, and global training. This aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science, which recognises ECOPs as central to long-term impact. One example already in motion is our Around Africa Expedition, where 69 scientists from 31 countries — over 40 of the ECOPs — collaborated on research and training. We're building on that model to expand our inclusive, collaborative approach globally. What are some of the key challenges when it comes to deep sea research? First, public awareness of the deep ocean's role in planetary health is still low. Many don't realise how vital it is for biodiversity, climate regulation, and sustainability. Second, ocean management is often fragmented — many regions lack a unified ocean policy, leading to overexploitation and underprotection. The solution lies in open collaboration and equitable data-sharing. It's essential that knowledge, technology, and opportunity are accessible to scientists in every part of the world, especially in the Global South. What are the key concerns facing our oceans today, and how can both private and government enterprises in the region contribute to their protection? The ocean is a global system that connects us all, yet it's often viewed through fragmented, local lenses. One of the main concerns is the absence of holistic ocean policy. Another is the lack of visibility for the deep ocean's role in biodiversity and climate systems. Private and government players can step up by funding inclusive ocean research, investing in sustainable technologies, and building coalitions across sectors. Together, they can help shape a shared vision for ocean stewardship that balances exploration with preservation.
Leaders
15-07-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Leads MENA in VC Investment for H1 2025
Saudi Arabia retained its position as the top recipient of venture capital (VC) investment in the MENA region during the first half of 2025, according to the H1 2025 MENA Venture Investment Report by MAGNiTT. The Kingdom recorded a total VC investment of $860 million (SAR 3.2 billion), surpassing its full-year total for 2024. This milestone highlights the ongoing economic transformation driven by Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify and strengthen the national economy. With 56% of the region's total VC funding in H1 2025, Saudi Arabia secured the largest share among MENA countries. The country also registered a record-breaking 114 VC deals during the same period, reinforcing its position as the region's most dynamic investment hub. These achievements underscore the Kingdom's growing appeal to investors and its progress toward building a vibrant, competitive business environment. Vision 2030 Driving Investment Growth Commenting on the report, Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO and Board Member at Saudi Venture Capital (SVC), credited government-led initiatives under Vision 2030 for the Kingdom's continued dominance in the regional VC landscape. He also emphasized that these efforts have been crucial in energizing the startup and VC ecosystem. 'At SVC, we remain committed to accelerating this momentum by encouraging private investors to support startups and SMEs,' said Dr. Koshak. 'This support is essential for fostering rapid, sustainable growth and achieving the broader goals of Vision 2030, including economic diversification and increased private sector participation.' Related Topics : KAUST Researchers Embark on Groundbreaking OceanQuest Expedition Around Africa Saudi Researchers Unveil Revolutionary Nanoplastic for Sustainable Street Lighting What is Research & Development? How Can You Implement It Effectively in Your Business? KAUST Accelerates Scientific Research with 67 Projects in AI, Cybersecurity, Bioinformatics Short link : Post Views: 26
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Lego robot designed by Bradford school pupils to take on the world
A group of school pupils have flown to Florida to represent the UK in the finals of a Lego robotics students from Bradford Grammar School are taking part in the First Lego League secured their spot in the finals after seeing off competition from 900 other teams in the school's head of Computer Science, Nadeem Asghar, who also runs the Lego Robotics club, said the victory in the UK finals was "completely unexpected". "It's just a lunchtime club," he said."It's just a bit of fun, a bit of Lego, obviously doing the best we can, but the intention was never to get to the internationals."The First Lego League Challenge is an international STEM competition that develops skills in coding, design and were challenged to build and programme a robot capable of carrying out a series of tasks within a set amount of time and then to complete a STEM-based innovation 16, a member of the team - known as the Incredilegos - said it was a "dream come true" to reach the final."I never would have thought in a million years we would have been representing the UK at Lego robotics." For the second part of the competition, the students worked together to create a computer game, Ocean Quest, which teaches players about oceans."You're playing a game while learning about stuff," said 13-year-old Asghar said the team had impressed the UK judges and hoped they would continue to impress in Florida."They liked the design, the fact it's compact and the fact it is so easy to take attachments on and off it," he said."They like to see the problem solving aspects and that is what the team really manged to highlight and demonstrate."The students have been refining their robot since their UK triumph ahead of the finals, which begin later."We hope to make BGS proud in Florida, what a great year for Bradford," Harry said winning had "meant so much to the team" and they were looking forward to representing the school in the USA. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Science
- Zawya
OceanQuest joins global stage at UNOC
Nice, France – OceanQuest, a Saudi Arabian not-for-profit foundation, committed to unveiling the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets for the benefit of humanity, marked its formal international debut at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice with a high-level gathering on the 10th of June, 2025. The event brought together UN representatives, senior government officials, ocean experts, business, philanthropists and policymakers to celebrate its launch on recent achievements and reaffirm OceanQuest's mission to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation, support global cooperation and excite the public. The foundation is focused on deep ocean exploration and international collaboration in areas such as seamount system understanding, digital twin technologies, and capacity exchange with scientists and Early Career Ocean Professionals from the Global South. The event featured opening addresses from Mr. Ray Dalio, founder and advisor of Ocean X and a member of the OceanQuest Board of Trustees who discussed the importance of the OceanQuest Foundation and its future plans, Dr. Martin Visbeck, founding CEO of OceanQuest, who presented the future ambitions of the foundation. The evening also saw special addresses from Mr. Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, Mr. Jorge Santos, Minister of the Sea of the Republic of Cabo Verde, Dr. Maryam Ficociello, Chief Governance Officer of Red Sea Global and a member of OceanQuest's NRC and ARC Committees, Dr. Margaret Leinen, Director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Vice Chancellor at the University of California, San Diego and Ms. Janice Trotte-Duhá, Director for Infrastructure and Operations at the National Institute for Ocean Research in Brazil. An engaging fireside chat featured Dr. Martin Visbeck, Dr. Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO, OceanX, Mattie Rodrigue, Science Program Director, OceanX, Dr. Yara Rodrigues, Executive Vogal, Instituto do Mar, and Dr. Lara Atkinson, Marine Offshore Scientist, NRF-SAEON. They were joined by Early Career Ocean Professionals Ali Abyadh, a PhD student, and Sinothando Shibe, a marine biologist, who shared firsthand insights from the Around Africa Expedition and its broader significance. Dr. Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, commented: 'The 2025 UN Ocean Conference is a critical moment for us to elevate the deep ocean in global conversations on ocean policy. Historically, the deep ocean has received far less attention despite its critical role in the Earth's systems. At OceanQuest, we see this not just as a launch event, but as our entry into a broader coalition working to change that. Our presence here reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to ocean science and technology as well as international collaboration to elevate deep ocean science.' The evening served as a showcase of OceanQuest's early milestones, the successful Around Africa Expedition, in partnership with OceanX and leading African institutions. The four-month mission involved 34 Early Career Ocean Professionals from 16 countries, scientists from 8 countries, mapping of over 150,000 km² of seafloor in high resolution, and engaged with over 300 students, educators, and early-career professionals through training, outreach, and capacity sharing initiatives during port stops as well as onboard the OceanXplorer. Building on the success of its recent expedition, OceanQuest is advancing a mid-term expedition plan (2025–2028) that will explore seamount systems in the Red Sea, Southwest Indian Ocean, and the Tropical and South Atlantic. These expeditions aim to investigate biodiversity and deep-ocean connectivity, while comparing geological, physical, chemical and ecological settings across ocean basins to reveal global patterns in ocean life, processes, and evolution. 'The deep ocean and in particular the sea mount systems present exciting opportunities in exploration and we can't meet them alone,' added Dr. Visbeck. 'OceanQuest exists to unite nations, scientists, and communities behind a shared purpose, advancing knowledge that benefits all of humanity.' OceanQuest also signed a first set of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading international institutions. These agreements will serve as a framework for future joint missions, scientific exchange, and the development of inclusive ocean research programs. The signatories include: Brazilian National Institute for Ocean Research (INPO) National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa Ministério do Mar, Government of Cabo Verde GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany National Oceanography Centre (NOC) of the United Kingdom Internatioal Seabed 2030 Project Marine Technology Society (MTS) OceanX These partnerships mark the beginning of OceanQuest's collaborative efforts to contribute to global deep-ocean exploration, while strengthening scientific ties and building a shared foundation for future discovery. With its official launch, a growing global network of partners, and new expeditions already in development, OceanQuest is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of deep ocean discovery, bringing together science, innovation, and international cooperation. About OceanQuest: OceanQuest is a Saudi Arabian not-for-profit foundation, committed to unveiling the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets for the benefit of humanity. Its mission is to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation, and excite the public. OceanQuest and its global partners will launch a new era of deep ocean exploration and knowledge sharing. OceanQuest is based in the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) campus in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Arab News
13-06-2025
- Science
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia's OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation
RIYADH: As the curtains closed on this year's UN Ocean Conference in the French city of Nice, the Saudi-led foundation OceanQuest emerged as one of the standout contributors to marine sustainability — not only in policy circles but also in the depths of the world's oceans. Fresh from its pioneering Around Africa Expedition, OceanQuest, in partnership with OceanX, brought remarkable scientific discoveries and a powerful message to UNOC — that true marine conservation must combine exploration, collaboration, and education. 'This expedition went around Africa and engaged on-ship around 16 African scientists and more than 200 port stops,' Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, told Arab News. From surveying megafauna by helicopter to exploring seamounts more than 1,000 meters beneath the surface aboard the OceanXplorer, the team used cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity to illuminate previously uncharted ecosystems. OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit incubated at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. It is rapidly becoming a key player in the global marine science arena, dedicated to deep-sea exploration, design innovation, and cross-border collaboration. • OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit focused on deep-sea exploration and global collaborations in marine science. • The foundation emphasizes human-centered approaches to conservation by training African scientists and educators. • Discoveries on its Around Africa Expedition include new seamounts vital for biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. One of its flagship missions — the Around Africa Expedition — offered not only new data but a model of inclusive, equitable marine science. Using robotic vehicles, manned submersibles, and remote sensing tools, the team made multiple dives during the mission. In total, they spent 53 hours underwater, collected nearly 90 samples, and mapped thousands of square kilometers of the seabed, including around the Nola Seamounts and Santo Antao Island. Flights over 922 nautical miles provided additional data on large marine animals. Among the major outcomes was the identification of new underwater seamounts, crucial for fisheries and marine biodiversity. 'We will be the ones who go to seamount systems and explore what is there, look at the species, look at the functions and understanding, then share that with the community, to provide reasons why certain seamounts should be protected,' said Visbeck. This insight is critical as countries consider the ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty — formally the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement — a major focus at UNOC. 'Biodiversity protection beyond national jurisdiction means the protected areas in the high seas, outside of a country's own legal role,' said Visbeck. OceanQuest's approach is not just technical — it is human-centered. Working alongside top African entities such as the National Research Foundation, the University of Cape Town, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the expedition helped build capacity for African marine science. Twenty-four early-career professionals from across the continent were trained in seafloor mapping, environmental DNA analysis, and deep-sea sampling. 'This wasn't just about what we discovered in the ocean. It was also about who we empowered on the ground,' said Visbeck. 'By investing in people — students, young professionals and educators — we're building a foundation for Africa's long-term leadership in ocean science.' This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field) He sees this collaborative model as a roadmap for future conservation. 'These collaborations are the future of ocean science in Africa,' he said. 'We've seen what's possible when scientists, governments and regional institutions align behind a common purpose, advancing knowledge, access and opportunity.' This year's UNOC provided the perfect platform for OceanQuest to share these achievements and ambitions. 'I decided that it would be amazing to celebrate and launch OceanQuest and share with the ocean world our arrival on the scene at UNOC,' said Visbeck. 'We are using UNOC to celebrate with our partners, friends and ocean-policy people on the scene and share with them our mission and vision.' In a time of mounting ocean crises — from plastic pollution to overfishing and climate change — Visbeck says awareness is a powerful tool. 'What we are trying to do is fight ignorance by providing data and information. Once the information is more clear, it can be a basis for regulatory agencies.' From the Red Sea to the high seas, OceanQuest is helping reframe the future of ocean conservation — not just by mapping the seafloor, but by drawing a new map for global cooperation.
