From research to market: New programme supports deep-tech commercialisation in Saudi Arabia

From healthcare technologies and artificial intelligence to advanced materials and sustainable energy, researchers in Saudi Arabia are working to bring scientific advances closer to market. The first cohort of the Accelerating Research to Commercialization (ARC) programme has now graduated, with a second edition underway for 25 research teams.

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), in partnership with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) and Community Jameel, recently celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the Accelerating Research to Commercialization (ARC) program. The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Munir Eldesouki, President of KACST and Acting Governor of RDIA, along with several leaders from the research, development and innovation sector.

The first cohort featured 12 selected research projects across health technologies, biomedicine, environmental sustainability and energy solutions, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, drones, and advanced materials. The projects represented six national institutions: KACST, King Abdulaziz University, Umm Al-Qura University, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, and King Fahad Medical City. The projects ranged from early to advanced levels of technology readiness, providing an opportunity to assess their commercial potential and market readiness.

The ceremony also featured presentations of participating projects, including a smart platform for the assessment and rehabilitation of sensory and neurological disorders; a platform for treating food allergies in children; an application for analyzing chronic wounds and monitoring their healing; oral insulin tablets as an alternative to injections; a radiation-free breast health screening system using thermal imaging; a fuel management system for transportation fleets; and a 3D-printed filter designed to control sand in water and oil wells.

During the ceremony, Mr. Omar Al-Hussaini, General Manager of the General Administration of Commercialization & Technology Transfer at KACST, announced the launch of the second edition of the ARC program, which includes 25 research teams. The new cohort is designed to strengthen the readiness of research projects to transition to market through a methodology that includes validating market assumptions and developing business models. The program encourages researchers to engage directly with potential customers to understand their needs and test proposed solutions, before further developing their technologies and business models in line with actual market requirements.

The Accelerating Research to Commercialization (ARC) program forms part of national efforts to empower researchers and innovators to transform scientific outputs in deep-tech into commercially competitive products and services. It also supports the national innovation ecosystem by contributing to the creation of high-value jobs in innovation and technology transfer and increasing the contribution of the knowledge economy to GDP.

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is Elite sponsor of IASP World Conference 2026.