20240614
Saudi Arabia has announced the establishment of the National Semiconductor Hub, aiming to attract over $266.6 million in investment and deep technology funds, with plans to establish 50 chip design companies. The National Semiconductor Hub was launched during the opening session of the 2024 Future Semiconductor Forum in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The two-day forum was organized by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in cooperation with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), under the theme "Empowering Silicon Innovations."
At the opening session, several notable figures attended and delivered speeches, including the Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the KACST Board, Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, President of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, and President of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University Dr. Enas Al-Issa.
The forum focuses on creating an integrated operating environment for companies that design semiconductors and providing high-quality job opportunities. During the forum, several ambitious initiatives were announced to enhance Saudi Arabia's global position in the semiconductor field, boost the digital economy, develop local talent, and bring transformative changes to the Middle East region.
KACST President Dr. Munir Eldesouki also announced the establishment of the National Capability Center for Semiconductor (NCCS) during the opening session. This center provides researchers and experts with access to advanced clean room laboratories spanning over 3,600 square meters at KACST and KAUST. It aims to create a research network for local and international universities, as well as the public and private sectors, to conduct specialized research in chip design. The ultimate goal is to achieve national research, development, and innovation autonomy in the semiconductor field.
Dr. Eldesouki stated that the center will provide resources to researchers from over 30 Saudi universities, helping develop expertise in chip production by training 500 researchers and students annually in semiconductor technologies. He also announced a new joint master's program in semiconductors between KACST, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
The program aims to offer high-quality education, provide 35% intensive academic education and practical training, and ultimately award degrees. This initiative supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by qualifying researchers in future technology specializations.
Dr. Eldesouki also announced the opening of registration for the first batch of the semiconductor incubator program (Ignition), the first of its kind in the region. The program is designed to attract ambitious entrepreneurs from around the world, boost the development of local and international startups, achieve technical progress in the semiconductor industry, and contribute to national economic growth.