Empowering Saudi Innovators Globally Future of Semiconductor Forum 2024 Sets Stage for Localizing Chip Production

Riyadh: The third edition of the Future of Semiconductors Forum in Riyadh established a roadmap for creating thousands of high-value training and job opportunities. Organized by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the forum aimed to empower Saudi innovators and talented individuals in the semiconductor industry. The event was attended by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of KACST, Eng. Abdullah Al-Sawaha, the Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, the President of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, and the President of Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Dr. Enas Al-Issa, among others, along with more than 40 local and international experts. The forum attracted global investments and showcased the Kingdom's steps towards an innovative digital economy. With over 1,500 experts and enth usiasts attending in person and more than 40,000 viewers from over 50 countries, the forum concluded with several ambitious outcomes. It featured remarkable presentations and ideas that the Kingdom intends to leverage in its journey towards building the future of semiconductors and exploring further opportunities to support innovation. President of KACST Dr. Munir Eldesouki highlighted the deep discussions and innovative ideas over the two days, reflecting the promising future of semiconductors in the Kingdom. One of the most important outcomes was the announcement of several initiatives to shape the future of semiconductors. The initiatives announced included the launch of the National Capability Center for Semiconductors, a Master's Program in Semiconductors, the "Ignition" Semiconductor Incubator Program, and the National Semiconductor Hub. These initiatives aim to develop and localize the electronic chip industry in the Kingdom, provide comprehensive training, support entrepreneurship, and attract invest ment in deep technologies by 2030. The forum also showcased the success stories of promising Saudi high school students, such as Sara Al-Shiddi and Fajr Al-Khulayfi, who have achieved international recognition for their inventions and research projects. Notable participants in the forum included experts such as Dr. Shuji Nakamura, Nobel laureate in Physics, Professor Kang Wang from UCLA, Professor Steven P. DenBaars from the University of California - Santa Barbara, and Goutam Chattopadhyay from NASA, among others. Eight scientific sessions covered topics such as the semiconductor industry's landscape in Saudi Arabia, advancements in semiconductors for space exploration, the path to 6G communications, photonics, semiconductor packaging technology, integrated sensors for the Internet of Things, and electronic chips in electric cars. An exhibition accompanied the scientific sessions, featuring the latest innovations in semiconductor technology from local and international companies, as well as research poste rs from Saudi university students. The Future of Semiconductors Forum 2024 has set a solid foundation for Saudi Arabia's journey towards localizing semiconductor production, creating job opportunities, and attracting global investments, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Source: Saudi Press Agency