Minister Of Communications Abdullah Alswaha Recognises Scientists And Innovators At LEAP25 Event For Future Economies

At the Innovation in Future Economies event, held during the LEAP25 conference in Riyadh, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha awarded 12 scientists and innovators with the Research Excellence Award in Future Economies. This accolade acknowledges their exceptional contributions to research and innovation that align with national priorities.

The recipients of this prestigious award included Professor Carlos Duarte, Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini, Professor Ghulam Muhammad, Professor Tareq Al-Naffouri, Professor Bernard Ghanem, Professor Abdullah Abusorrah, Professor Osman Bakr, Professor Saleh Alshebeili, Professor Obaid Al-Saqqaf, Professor Ahmed Al-Qarni, Professor Donal Bradley, and Professor Khalid Al-Mashouq. Their work is pivotal in advancing Saudi Arabia's economic future.

The Research, Development, and Innovation Authority unveiled several national initiatives aimed at enhancing research and innovation across key economic sectors. These initiatives are designed to unify efforts towards future economies and enable Saudi Arabia to shape a prosperous economic landscape. A significant focus is on developing human-centric artificial intelligence by 2050.

Among these initiatives is the ambitious plan to create a scalable quantum computer by 2045. Additionally, five knowledge cities are set to be established by 2040 in Saudi Arabia. These cities aim to transcend traditional smart city concepts by integrating advanced technologies and fostering innovation.

The authority also announced the establishment of the first private-sector Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis for health research and development. This initiative involves a SAR 100 million investment in collaboration with Fakih Group. It aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI-driven healthcare innovation.

This initiative seeks to strengthen partnerships between academic institutions and the industrial sector. By doing so, it aims to accelerate research breakthroughs and maximize their impact on healthcare advancements within the Kingdom.

Semiconductor Industry Developments

The National Semiconductor Hub revealed plans for a design center and manufacturing facility for semiconductors in Saudi Arabia. This project includes participation from 10 specialized companies in electronic chip design. A strategic partnership with RCM will develop the first Saudi-designed electronic chip for both local and global markets.

These initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing an innovative ecosystem that supports a knowledge-based economy's growth. By investing in emerging economic fields, the Kingdom continues to bolster its international standing while aligning with its ambitious national targets for vital sectors.

With inputs from SPA