In a significant move to accelerate the commercialization of deep technology within the Kingdom, Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) has partnered with national real estate developer ROSHN to award three breakthrough innovations from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM). This collaboration, executed under the ROSHN Visionaries Program, marks a tangible step in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two entities. Concluded during the ROSHNEXT Innovation Summit in Riyadh, the initiative highlights the growing synergy between academic research and industrial application, specifically aiming to transform the real estate and built environment sectors through sustainable, homegrown technologies.
Fueling The Next Generation Of Construction Tech
The special edition of the ROSHN Visionaries Program attracted 54 submissions, which were narrowed down to 18 shortlisted teams before the final three winners were selected. Each winning team secured a SAR 200,000 grant to further develop their solutions. Beyond the capital injection, the program provided a three-month structure of specialized workshops and coaching sessions designed to address real-world challenges. The collaboration emphasizes a “venture building” approach, ensuring that these academic projects do not remain theoretical but are groomed for market scalability. As noted by DTV leadership, this partnership is instrumental in fostering a deep-tech ecosystem that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and innovation.
Spotlight On Sustainable Engineering Solutions
The three winning innovations from KFUPM share a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, addressing critical pain points in the construction and climate sectors.
- Zero-Net Adsorption Cooling: This team introduced a cooling solution that leverages advanced adsorption technologies to target net-zero energy consumption, a vital innovation for the region’s climate.
- CemNex Innovations: Targeting the carbon-heavy construction industry, CemNex developed a geopolymer solution using sustainable binders derived from local industrial byproducts, offering a greener alternative to traditional Portland cement.
- Leafshn Sustainable Solution: This circular economy project transforms palm waste into high-value materials suitable for durable applications, including polymer-reinforced roads and sports surfaces.
Bridging The Gap From Lab To Market
The conclusion of the Visionaries Program marks the beginning of a new phase for these startups. The winning teams will now transition into DTV’s Venture Building programs, a strategic move designed to bridge the often-difficult gap between university innovation and commercial reality. By leveraging DTV’s ecosystem—which includes access to KFUPM’s research talent and major industry partners like Aramco and SABIC—these startups are positioned to scale effectively. This trajectory underscores the critical role of incubators in transforming visionary ideas into impactful, economically sustainable realities for the Kingdom.
About Dhahran Techno Valley
Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) is a comprehensive innovation ecosystem established to foster entrepreneurship and build a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Integrating King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) with national champions such as Saudi Aramco and SABIC, DTV provides startups with access to market opportunities, funding, infrastructure, and talent. The holding company facilitates the transfer of technology and the development of deep-tech ventures, serving as a cornerstone for the Kingdom’s innovation strategy.
Source: Ahmed Alfadhel
