King Abdulaziz University has announced the launch of the “First Conference for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Saudi Universities,” a landmark event scheduled to take place from October 21-22, 2025. Held under the theme “Idea, Invention, and Impact,” the conference aims to fortify the role of academic institutions as a primary engine for economic development and to strengthen the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem in alignment with Vision 2030.
A Strategic Push Towards Vision 2030
The conference is designed to address a critical objective of Saudi Arabia’s national strategy: transforming academic outputs into tangible economic value. The event aims to align university education with the demands of the modern labor market, fostering a new generation of competitive entrepreneurs and innovators. By building local and international partnerships and incentivizing research, the initiative seeks to ensure that academic breakthroughs are applied within the industrial sector to solve key developmental challenges, directly contributing to the goals of the Human Capability Development Program and Vision 2030.
Bridging Research and Commercialization
To tackle current challenges and opportunities, the conference will focus on four main pillars: building innovation and entrepreneurship within universities, the impact of the knowledge economy, technology transfer and localization, and supporting entrepreneurs and investments in new inventions. According to Dr. Musab bin Faleh Al-Harbi, the university’s official spokesman, a core goal is to transform scientific research outcomes into viable startups and value-added products. Discussions will analyze best practices for closing the gap between university R&D and the industrial sector, creating a more seamless pipeline from lab to market.
Convening Key Ecosystem Stakeholders
The conference will bring together a diverse group of influential stakeholders, including academics, researchers, students, government officials, and experts in innovation and entrepreneurship. Through a series of scientific sessions, research papers, and workshops led by prominent speakers, the event will foster a collaborative environment. Dr. Al-Harbi emphasized that the participation of attendees is crucial for enriching discussions and generating actionable recommendations to enhance the innovation infrastructure across all Saudi universities, ultimately boosting national and foreign investment in homegrown innovative companies.
About King Abdulaziz University
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) is a prestigious public university located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Since its establishment in 1967, it has become a leading academic institution in the Middle East, recognized for its comprehensive programs and significant contributions to research and development. The university plays a pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s educational and economic objectives as outlined in Vision 2030.
Source: Al-Madina
