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  • Biotechnology solution could be key to unlocking Saudi food security

    Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have devised new techniques that can produce nutritious microalgae in industrial volumes, which could interest countries looking to diversify themselves off imported feed products and promote domestic food security. Algae is recognised as a superfood that can be grown cheaply with just sunshine, carbon dioxide and water. However, cultivation at scale is difficult meaning its potential has yet to be realized. Scientists working at KAUST’s new Saudi Center for Algal Biotechnology Development and Aquaculture, have developed their own Spirulina​ and Chlorella​ strains of algae which is uniquely adapted to seawater. The innovation dispenses with the need for freshwater and makes the production of livestock feed cultivated from algae sustainable and economically viable.

  • Exclusive: Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed reveals new investments in fusion technology and DTC startups, urges more VC funding for sustainability tech

    “What inspires a lot of confidence in me is founders that know their market, their competition, their numbers,” he added. Prince Khaled stressed the significance of a robust understanding of the market, competition and financial metrics. Founders who demonstrate a deep knowledge of these aspects inspire confidence and are more likely to secure KBW Ventures’ backing. One company that impressed Prince Khaled was —A Dozen Cousins, a natural food brand specialising in authentic Creole, Caribbean and Latino-inspired dishes, founded by CEO Ibraheem Basir. The company’s brand narrative is influenced by Basir’s childhood spent in the culinary melting pot of Brooklyn and is named after his daughter and her 11 cousins. Basir met Prince Khaled at InFlavour, a leading B2B food event hosted by Tahaluf in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). A Dozen Cousins won in the conference’s startup competition, with Prince Khaled participating as a judge.

  • Alat: Spearheading Sustainable Technology Manufacturing with Clean Energy in Saudi Arabia

    Through strategic partnerships with international manufacturing and technology leaders, Alat endeavors to transform the global industrial landscape by offering sustainable solutions powered by clean energy. By manufacturing a diverse range of products across vital sectors such as robotics, communication systems, and digital entertainment, Alat aims to strengthen local innovation, research, and development while creating job opportunities and boosting economic growth.

  • New-wave reactor technology could kick-start a nuclear renaissance — and the US is banking on it

    The Biden administration and American companies are plowing billions of dollars into SMRs in a bid for business and global influence. China is leading in nuclear technology and construction, and Russia is making almost all the world’s SMR fuel. The US is playing catch-up on both. There’s no mystery behind why the US wants in on the market. It already lost the wind and solar energy race to China, which now provides most of the world’s solar panels and wind turbines. The big problem: The US hasn’t managed to get an SMR working commercially on land.

  • Saudi Arabia and Its Biotechnology Strategy

    Like other branches of Vision 2030, the biotechnology strategy announced by the Crown Prince seeks to turn Saudi Arabia into a leading scientific capable of making major breakthroughs that change the way we think about humanity and our environment, in addition to allowing us to reach a high degree of self-sufficiency and leaving a positive social and economic impact. The plan is to build on 4 strategic pillars, starting with humanity... What about them?

  • Saudi Arabia launches National Biotechnology Strategy set to transform the Kingdom

    According to the official Vision 2030 website, the National Biotechnology Strategy will build on the Kingdom’s existing strengths, including access to robust capital, a large market, the government’s commitment, and a unique gene pool.

    These factors will advance Saudi Arabia’s capabilities across four strategic plays: vaccines, bio-manufacturing & localization, genomics, and plant optimization.

  • Saudi Arabia Integrates AI Technology to Enhance Visitor Guidance at Grand Mosque

    A total of 52 screens, spanning 279 square meters, have been placed inside and outside the mosque to offer personalized guidance content for pilgrims. This approach utilizes the expertise of a specialized team, comprising scholars well-versed in religious and guidance aspects. The team curates bespoke content for specific occasions, ensuring the information is timely and relevant for the needs of visitors.

  • Saudi Arabia Is Interested in Small Nuclear Reactor Technology

    Saudi Arabia said it’s interested in studying technology for small modular nuclear reactors, as the Middle East’s largest oil producer looks to diversify its energy sources and generate cleaner power for domestic use and export. The kingdom is “a late-comer” to nuclear power and aims to study all types and applications of atomic generation, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi energy minister, said Sunday at a climate conference in the capital, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has been building a test reactor and is seeking US assistance as it looks to develop a nuclear program.

  • Saudi Arabia Is Interested in Small Nuclear Reactor Technology

    The kingdom is “a late-comer” to nuclear power and aims to study all types and applications of atomic generation, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi energy minister, said Sunday at a climate conference in the capital, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has been building a test reactor and is seeking US assistance as it looks to develop a nuclear program.

  • Maritime industry explores nuclear power for ships as technology opens up

    The maritime industry is exploring whether nuclear fuel can be used to power commercial ships as advancements in technology open up such options, industry officials said. Nevertheless, any possible nuclear fuel solutions for ships are at least 10 years away they added. Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global CO2 emissions and the industry is under pressure from investors and environmentalists to find cleaner fuel solutions, which include ammonia, methanol and wind.