We exist for the pursuit and advancement of scientific knowledge and its broad dissemination and benevolent application. Through distinctive and collaborative research integrated with graduate education, we strive to enhance the welfare of society with a special focus on four areas of global significance – food, water, energy and the environment.
Mission
Our unrelenting commitment to research, innovation and talent, has seen KAUST establish itself as one of the leading research universities in the world, ranking #1 for citations per faculty globally, with a reputation for impact-driven research that contributes to the betterment of the world. This new-era of KAUST and our new strategy builds on our many successes, achievements and strong foundations, and represents an evolution that brings us closer to the interests of the Kingdom.
A new era for KAUST
KAUST aspires to be a destination for scientific and technological education and research. By inspiring discoveries to address global challenges, we strive to serve as a beacon of knowledge that bridges people and cultures for the betterment of humanity.
Vision
Mission
We exist for the pursuit and advancement of scientific knowledge and its broad dissemination and benevolent application. Through distinctive and collaborative research integrated with graduate education, we strive to enhance the welfare of society with a special focus on four areas of global significance – food, water, energy and the environment.
A new era for KAUST
Our unrelenting commitment to research, innovation and talent, has seen KAUST establish itself as one of the leading research universities in the world, ranking #1 for citations per faculty globally, with a reputation for impact-driven research that contributes to the betterment of the world. This new-era of KAUST and our new strategy builds on our many successes, achievements and strong foundations, and represents an evolution that brings us closer to the interests of the Kingdom.
Vision
KAUST aspires to be a destination for scientific and technological education and research. By inspiring discoveries to address global challenges, we strive to serve as a beacon of knowledge that bridges people and cultures for the betterment of humanity.
Vision
KAUST aspires to be a destination for scientific and technological education and research. By inspiring discoveries to address global challenges, we strive to serve as a beacon of knowledge that bridges people and cultures for the betterment of humanity.
Mission
We exist for the pursuit and advancement of scientific knowledge and its broad dissemination and benevolent application. Through distinctive and collaborative research integrated with graduate education, we strive to enhance the welfare of society with a special focus on four areas of global significance – food, water, energy and the environment.
A new era for KAUST
Our unrelenting commitment to research, innovation and talent, has seen KAUST establish itself as one of the leading research universities in the world, ranking #1 for citations per faculty globally, with a reputation for impact-driven research that contributes to the betterment of the world. This new-era of KAUST and our new strategy builds on our many successes, achievements and strong foundations, and represents an evolution that brings us closer to the interests of the Kingdom.
Our new strategy

Strategic pillars: Enhancing research commercialization



KAUST National Transformation Institute
Creating the new KAUST National Transformation Institute (NTI) will accelerate our technology development and commercialization to support the Kingdom’s economic diversification aspirations.
International collaboration & partnerships
Synergistic partnerships with top-tier academic institutions and leading international innovation hubs in USA, China and other regions will create opportunities and networks for our people to drive global impact at unprecedented speed and scale.
Re-focusing research to align with new RDI priorities
Through re-focusing our research in alignment with the Kingdom’s 2022 RDI priorities, KAUST will play a more active role in supporting Vision 2030 and accelerating impact.

Major initiatives


Our new deep tech innovation fund, Capital K, will invest $200 million (SAR 750 million) over five-to-eight years into early-stage technologies from KAUST, KSA or around the world that will contribute to the economic development and job creation ambitions of the Kingdom.
This initiative aims to accelerate the development of a made-in-Saudi high-tech sector as well as strategic investment in “spin-in” technologies and companies.
Deep Tech Innovation Fund (DTIF)
KAUST will lead innovation on major projects of national importance, including the world’s largest coral reef restoration project at Shushah Island in NEOM.
This initiative gives KAUST a stake in the creation of a landmark and world-first marine destination focused on coral propagation, conservation, and enhancement, with nurseries producing 500,000 coral fragments per year.
KAUST Reefscape Restoration Initiative
