KSU is committed to fostering innovation and driving economic development through strategic partnerships. It recognizes that strong infrastructure, such as transportation, energy, and communication systems, is essential for economic growth and social development For example.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Fostering sustainable industrial development, resilient infrastructure, and technological innovation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Research and Innovation
KSU demonstrates excellence in research impact, publishing hundreds of articles addressing sustainable infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation. Research centers include:
Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AMI)
Center for Energy and Desalination
Nanotechnology Center
KSU's H-index and citation rates rank among the highest in the region for engineering and applied sciences.
Entrepreneurship and Startup Support
Entrepreneurship Institute programs and startup incubation
Innovation hackathons via KSU Hackathon
Funding and mentorship opportunities
Industry Collaboration
KAI: Consultancy and industrial contracts
CTTC: Technology transfer services
AMI Labs: Industrial prototyping and development
Support for Developing Nations
KSU offers scholarships to students from Yemen, Syria, and Palestine and supports teacher training and capacity building for institutions in these regions. The university promotes access to knowledge through open educational platforms.
Technology Access and Digital Infrastructure
KSUx: Free MOOCs in sustainability and technology
Thakaa: Innovation and Future Skills Center
CELT: Teaching and digital learning hub
AIO: AI & Data Observatory
Research & Development Investment
KSU dedicates of its annual budget to research and innovation infrastructure, backed by financial reports and alignment with national priorities. Total industry-linked income exceeds 600 million SAR.
Research Chairs Supporting SDG 9
| # | Chair | Focus Area | SDG 9 Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princess Fatimah bint Hashim Al-Arras Chair for Advanced Manufacturing Technology | Advanced Manufacturing | Supports innovation in smart manufacturing systems and industrial processes |
| 2 | Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Chair for Water Research | Water Resources & Sustainability | Enhances research on sustainable water infrastructure and desert environments |
| 3 | Saudi Electricity Company Chair for Power Systems Reliability | Electric Grid Security | Promotes infrastructure reliability and energy efficiency |
| 4 | Sheikh Mohammed Bin Laden Chair for Rehabilitation of Facilities | Civil Engineering & Facility Management | Improves the resilience and sustainability of existing infrastructure |
| 5 | Engineer Abdullah Bugshan Chair for Productive Villages | Rural Industrial Development | Empowers local economies through infrastructure support and innovation |
| 6 | SABIC Chair for Conferences | Industrial Knowledge Sharing | Facilitates innovation diffusion via industrial symposiums and collaboration |
Strategic Ecosystem Units
| # | Center / Unit | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DSD – Deanship of Skills Development | Enhances professional and digital skills across KSU for faculty, students, and staff in alignment with innovation and infrastructure goals. | Visit |
| 2 | Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research | Environmental and water research focused on sustainability and desert solutions. | Visit |
| 3 | Sustainable Energy Technologies Center (SET) | Focuses on renewable energy technologies including solar, wind, storage, and hydrogen systems. | Visit |
| 4 | Innovation Center – KSU Science & Technology Park | includes four specialized units: Digital Innovation, Social Innovation, STEM Technologies, and Medical Technologies — all dedicated to transforming ideas into impactful, market-ready solutions. | Visit |
| 5 | Water Resource Group, College of Engineering | Conducts research on hydrology, water treatment, and sustainable resource usage. | Visit |
| 6 | King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology | Research and innovation in nanomaterials, sensors, and energy applications. | Visit |
| 7 | Center of Excellence in Information Assurance | Specializes in cybersecurity, data protection, and ICT assurance. | Visit |
| 8 | Riyadh Technology Incubation Center | Supports commercialization and startup incubation for innovative projects. | Visit |
| 9 | Technology Transfer Office – KSU | Facilitates industry-university collaboration through IP management and licensing. | Visit |
| 10 | Entrepreneurship Institute | Supports entrepreneurial ventures and SME development within KSU. | Visit |
| 11 | Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AMI) | Provides R&D and prototyping services for industrial design and fabrication. | Visit |
| 12 | Thakaa Center | Equips students and researchers with future innovation, sustainability, and smart city tools. | Visit |
| 13 | AIO – AI and Data Observatory | Observes, analyzes, and promotes research and applications in AI, data science, and decision-making systems. | Visit |
| 14 | CELT – Center for E-Learning and Teaching | Specializes in digital transformation of education through platforms, content development, and faculty training. | Visit |
| 15 | Hackathon Portal – KSU | Hosts KSU's innovation competitions including AI, health tech, sustainability, and smart infrastructure themes. | Visit |
| 16 | CAS-TC – Technical & Vocational Training Center | Provides vocational diplomas, professional certifications, and skills-based training linked to workforce and industrial development. | Visit |
| 17 | KSUx – MOOCs & Open Education Platform | Offers free online courses in engineering, energy, tech, and language, accessible globally. | Visit |
