The President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Acting Governor of the Research Development and Innovation Authority, Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud Eldesouki, stated that KACST, as the national laboratory, collaborates with relevant entities to leverage enabling tools that support the innovation and entrepreneurship sectors, which are considered the key drivers for diversifying the national economy. He called on scientists and innovators to take advantage of the opportunities and enablers provided by both government and private entities, and to transform their ideas into innovations with tangible economic impact.

This came during a panel session held as part of “Innovation Week,” organized by Monsha’at in partnership with the Research Development and Innovation Authority, KACST, and the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property. The event runs until April 26, 2026, as part of a series of Business Weeks aimed at raising awareness among entrepreneurs about investment opportunities in the innovation sector.

Dr. Eldesouki explained that KACST opens its laboratories and research environment to Saudi scientists and innovators, enabling them to benefit from advanced technical capabilities. He stressed the importance of investing in applied research and converting it into economic value by connecting innovators with entrepreneurs, contributing to the development of an integrated economic ecosystem.

He also emphasized the importance of achieving innovation-driven self-sufficiency, particularly in competitive fields that address local needs across sectors that rely on national researchers and innovators. He pointed to the need to empower technologies and research outputs, facilitate their entry to the local market, and maximize their developmental impact.

Innovation Week comes amid the rapid growth of the innovation sector in Saudi Arabia and the emerging opportunities it offers for SMEs across industries such as manufacturing, energy, future economies, marketing, human health, and innovative business models. This supports business expansion, increases participation in sector-related activities, and contributes to diversifying income sources in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The week is being implemented across four SMEs Support Centers in Riyadh, Madinah, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, enabling wide participation from entrepreneurs and SME owners across Saudi Arabia.

The first day included several specialized sessions and meetings discussing innovation in marketing and artificial intelligence, exploring opportunities in deep and advanced technologies, and highlighting innovation opportunities in the cultural sector.

Monsha’at invited SME owners and entrepreneurs interested in the program to register via the link provided to benefit from the week’s activities. https://www.monshaat.gov.sa/en/node/457650