Saudi Industry Minister Unveils Rafed Program For Innovative Factories In Universities

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef has introduced the "Rafed" program. This initiative aims to create innovative factories within technical universities and colleges across Saudi Arabia. The program seeks to form effective partnerships with academic institutions to enhance the use of innovation and research in advanced manufacturing, focusing on sectors highlighted in the national industry strategy.

During the launch event, several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed to establish new factories under the Rafed program. One notable MoU was between Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and Autonomous Technologies for Industry Co to set up a drone factory at the university. Additionally, King Abdulaziz University partnered with Haven Scientific to create a cutting-edge factory for medical products, while Qassim University teamed up with United Defense to develop an advanced drone system manufacturing facility.

Another significant agreement involved Umm Al-Qura University, represented by Wadi Makkah Company for Technology, and Abu Al-Jadayel Food Services. They agreed to establish a food manufacturing factory at the university. Furthermore, industrial lands covering 1.4 million square meters were allocated at King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa for food and environmental industries. A separate land plot of 1.5 million square meters was designated at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah for industries related to Hajj.

The Rafed program is designed to support advanced national industry by engaging local technical universities and colleges. It aligns with the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which include digital manufacturing capabilities through advancements in 3D printing technologies, design and engineering analysis systems, simulation, and other leading-edge manufacturing technologies.

Alkhorayef emphasized the importance of advanced national industry in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 during his keynote address. He highlighted that fostering innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and developing human resources are crucial for building a robust and sustainable economy. The Rafed program is seen as a strategic solution to these challenges.

Support for Future Factories

The Rafed program will also support initiatives like the Future Factories Program that accelerate the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. This comprehensive approach aims to bolster advanced national industry by integrating digital manufacturing capabilities into various sectors.

Notable officials from the industry and mining sectors, presidents of various Saudi universities, and representatives from private-sector companies attended the launch event. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort required to achieve the program's objectives.

The allocation of industrial lands is a significant step towards establishing new factories under Rafed. These lands will provide space for food and environmental industries at King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa and industries related to Hajj at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah.

The Rafed program's blueprint is rooted in leveraging rapid advancements in technology. By focusing on digital manufacturing capabilities such as 3D printing technologies, design systems, engineering analysis systems, simulation, and other leading-edge manufacturing technologies, Rafed aims to transform Saudi Arabia's industrial landscape.

This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering innovation and research within its academic institutions. By partnering with universities and private-sector companies, Rafed aims to enhance advanced manufacturing capabilities across various sectors outlined in the national industry strategy.

The launch event highlighted how Rafed will play a crucial role in realizing Saudi Vision 2030 by nurturing a robust economy through innovation and technology adoption.

With inputs from SPA