KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP)

As part of our mission to foster research innovation in science and technology, KAUST has established a special Industry Collaboration program. The aim of KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) is to expand opportunities and convert discoveries into practical applications which will benefit the people of Saudi Arabia, the region, and the world.

The KICP works with a variety of partners (industry, individuals, foundations, private associations and governments) who have a strong interest in translating new and innovative ideas into economic growth.

As a membership based program, KICP Members have an overview of all KAUST research, seminars, and events. Access to the Center Industry Affiliates Program (CIAP) which enables partners to build a stronger relationship with individual Research Centers in KAUST.

AIMS

KAUST Industry Collaboration aims at the following:

• Connect KAUST R&D with industry partners on a global and regional scale.
• Introduction, demonstration and validation of new technology pilot projects in related areas.
• Develop collaborative business opportunities with global players with interests in KSA and the region.
• Job creation through the development of a vCIABle technology/innovation based economy in KSA and the region.

Figure 1 Mechanisms for KAUST Industry Collaboration (KICP/CIAP)

Benefits

The University has designed the KICP to provide benefits to all members, the KAUST community, and its global academic research partners. These benefits include the opportunity to

• Collaborate with KAUST faculty and students, academic research partners, and other KICP members to create competitive, innovative products and services.
• Gain access to leading university research programs at KAUST and its associated universities in strategic topic areas of the current KAUST Global Collaborative Research, KAUST Research Centers and KAUST Special Partnerships.
• Support KAUST’s core academic mission and enrich the research experiences of faculty and students.
• Work alongside some of the world’s leading researchers and most promising students, while also learning more about their latest research and findings.
• Provide additional employment and funding opportunities to students, and provide challenging research opportunities for faculty members.
• Gain access to the best students in their fields of research as a source of future executive and engineering talent
• Participate in the creation of spin-off companies.
• Access to KAUST core facilities and technical assistance.
• Participate in professional networking and knowledge building events in connection with the program’s seminars,conferences, and workshops.

Industry members may become involved in educational activities, offer practical experience to KAUST faculty and students through the hosting of faculty sabbaticals, student internships, and on-site seminars. KICP members can also participate within the Centers in courses, seminars, and the co-advising of students. Members also have the opportunity to recruit the best students on graduation.

Resources

KICP funds are used for:

• Providing support for educational outreach to the KAUST community and the region.
• For example, Enterprise Forum, national and local business plan competitions, training workshops for the broader community.
• Finance for KICP initiatives, for example KAUST Foresight with focus on different strategic topics each year.
• Liaising with other academic resources within Saudi Arabia.
• Co-fund a Center Liaison Officer for each participating KAUST Research Center.

Logos of signing members as of August 1st 2009