KAUST's Center Industry Affiliates Program (CIAP) is a subordinate economic development program that resembles the KICP in philosophy but focuses on stronger relationships with individual Research Centers instead of the University as a whole.

KAUST is building an expansive research park and innovation cluster on campus to facilitate venture capital development during start –up, early product or technology development, and various stages of the business growth cycle. KAUST will provide entrepreneurial training, comprehensive business assistance and venture planning, and management/personal leadership development. Research park and innovation cluster facilities will consist of three linked buildings lat the south end of the primary campus academic corridor and will provide a mix of flexible lab and office space.

The University has designed its economic development programs to provide benefits to partners, the KAUST community, and its global academic research partners. To learn more about joining the KICP/CIAP, contact the coordination office at ed_kicp@kaust.edu.sa.