Saudi Arabia Sets Stage For Semiconductor Production With Future Of Semiconductor Forum 2024

The third edition of the Future of Semiconductors Forum in Riyadh has outlined a roadmap for creating thousands of high-value training and job opportunities. Organized by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the forum aimed to empower Saudi innovators in the semiconductor industry.

The event was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of KACST, Eng. Abdullah Al-Sawaha, the Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, the President of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, and the President of Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Dr. Enas Al-Issa. More than 40 local and international experts also participated.

The forum attracted global investments and showcased Saudi Arabia's steps towards an innovative digital economy. With over 1,500 experts and enthusiasts attending in person and more than 40,000 viewers from over 50 countries, the event concluded with several ambitious outcomes. It featured presentations and ideas that the Kingdom intends to leverage in its journey towards building the future of semiconductors.

President of KACST Dr. Munir Eldesouki highlighted the deep discussions and innovative ideas over the two days, reflecting a promising future for semiconductors in Saudi Arabia. One significant outcome was the announcement of several initiatives to shape this future. These initiatives include the launch of the National Capability Center for Semiconductors, a Master's Program in Semiconductors, the "Ignition" Semiconductor Incubator Program, and the National Semiconductor Hub.

These initiatives aim to develop and localize the electronic chip industry in Saudi Arabia, provide comprehensive training, support entrepreneurship, and attract investment in advanced technologies by 2030. The forum also showcased success stories of promising Saudi high school students like Sara Al-Shiddi and Fajr Al-Khulayfi, who have achieved international recognition for their inventions and research projects.

Notable participants included experts such as Dr. Shuji Nakamura, Nobel laureate in Physics, Professor Kang Wang from UCLA, Professor Steven P. DenBaars from the University of California - Santa Barbara, and Goutam Chattopadhyay from NASA. Eight scientific sessions covered topics such as the semiconductor industry's landscape in Saudi Arabia, advancements in semiconductors for space exploration, the path to 6G communications, photonics, semiconductor packaging technology, integrated sensors for the Internet of Things (IoT), and electronic chips in electric cars.

An exhibition accompanied these sessions, featuring innovations in semiconductor technology from local and international companies as well as research posters from Saudi university students. The Future of Semiconductors Forum 2024 has set a solid foundation for Saudi Arabia's journey towards localizing semiconductor production, creating job opportunities, and attracting global investments. This aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA