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In recognition of the pivotal role of scientific research and innovation in supporting vital sectors and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), in partnership with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), Community Jameel Saudi Foundation, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), launched the Accelerating Research Commercialization Program: From the Lab to the Market. The program aims to support researchers and innovators and enable them to transform scientific research outputs into products and solutions with market value, contributing to the development of an integrated innovation ecosystem and enhancing the readiness of national innovations to advance to commercial and investment stages, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a knowledge-based economy and promote economic diversification.

15 research teams from universities across the Kingdom qualified for the program, having been selected from among more than 200 applications. They took part in a comprehensive preparatory track that began with a four-day training boot camp in February, featuring workshops and interactive sessions designed to introduce participating teams to the fundamentals of transforming scientific research outputs into applicable products and to deepen their understanding of innovation mechanisms and market needs. This is followed by a two-month hands-on mentoring and advisory phase focused on developing solutions and building business models, with support from specialists in entrepreneurship and innovation, helping teams test, refine, and transform their ideas into marketable products and services. The program will conclude with the presentation of projects before industry leaders and investors next June.

In this regard, Dr. May Taibah, Member of the Board of Trustees of Community Jameel Saudi, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting researchers and innovators and enabling them to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial application through practical programs built on a real understanding of the market and its needs.”

For his part, Mr. Mohammed Abdulghaffar, Senior General Manager of Initiatives at Community Jameel Saudi, commented: “This partnership represents an effective model of complementary roles among organizations that support innovation, contributing to strengthening the economic impact of scientific research in the Kingdom. This is aligned with the national priorities of the research, development, and innovation sector, as well as with the goals of Vision 2030 in promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.”

This partnership builds on the efforts of Community Jameel Saudi to support the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through the launch and support of high-impact programs focused on capacity building, the commercialization of scientific research, accelerating the growth of startups, and linking innovation to market and investment opportunities. These efforts include the Jameel DeepTech Initiative, the StartSmart Competition, the StartSmart Investment Forum, and other programs aimed at transforming the ideas of entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovators into ventures with economic and social impact, thereby strengthening the contribution of innovation to comprehensive development and supporting the Kingdom’s direction toward a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.