Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) expanded its international partnerships by strengthening Saudi–Italian cooperation in research and advanced technology at the Saudi–Italian Investment and Business Forum held in Riyadh on 25–26 November.
During the event — which followed this year’s agreement to elevate bilateral relations between the two countries — KAUST announced three new Memoranda of Understanding with major Italian academic and industrial institutions, alongside a joint scholarship program focused on maritime and cybersecurity research.
The agreements advance collaboration in priority fields, including microelectronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, life sciences, advanced sensing, and maritime innovation, aligning with Vision 2030 goals to boost R&D capabilities and develop high-skilled talent.
KAUST signed a five-year partnership with Politecnico di Torino to support joint research, dual PhD programs, academic exchanges, and co-funded projects across micro- and nanoelectronics, digital systems, smart health, and environmental technologies. A second MoU with ELT Group focuses on translating scientific breakthroughs into industrial applications, with cooperation in emerging technologies, specialized training, and access to advanced testing facilities.
The university also expanded its existing collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology to include joint work in robotics, smart sensing, neuromorphic computing, and advanced materials, alongside researcher exchanges and technology transfer initiatives.
In addition, KAUST and global shipbuilder Fincantieri unveiled a new scholarship program supporting research in maritime security and next-generation navigation systems, including work on AIS authentication, GPS spoofing detection, and AI-enabled navigation.
KAUST representatives described the new partnerships as a major step forward in connecting Saudi Arabia’s research ecosystem with leading Italian institutions, strengthening innovation pathways that support the Kingdom’s scientific and economic transformation.