Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: The US-based provider of cutting-edge AI solutions, Kneron, was selected for the RELOCATE, a deep tech initiative under the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), and secured a non-equity grant from the Saudi government.

Kneron will use the secured grant to establish a technological hub in Saudi Arabia for advanced AI chip R&D and commercialization, leveraging the Kingdom’s growing semiconductor infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, according to the company’s recent statement.

The company was selected for the RELOCATE initiative for its proven expertise in reconfigurable Neural Processing Units (NPUs) and its strong potential to scale AI solutions globally.

These milestones mark a significant move in expanding Kneron’s advanced AI chip development and commercialization efforts across the Middle East.

The RELOCATE program, led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), aims to attract at least 50 semiconductor design companies and develop a talent pipeline of 20,000 AI professionals by 2030

Furthermore, Kneron is in the process of setting up a local subsidiary in Riyadh, further contributing to the country’s ambition to achieve technological sovereignty and build a robust AI-driven industry.

Albert Liu, Founder and CEO of Kneron, commented: “The Saudi government’s bold investments in AI and the swift execution of the RELOCATE program are truly impressive. We are excited about the opportunity to integrate our AI chip technologies into Saudi Arabia’s smart city infrastructure and to contribute to building a regional model for transformative technological innovation.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the NTDP highlighted that the partnership with Kneron will not only accelerate the company’s regional growth but also contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s technological advancement and digital transformation.

By participating in the RELOCATE initiative, Kneron targets reinforcing its commitment to innovation in high-growth markets and its broader mission to empower industries through AI.