Saudi Arabia’s National Technology Development Program (NTDP) has awarded a USD 2 million non-equity grant to California-based edge AI firm Kneron as part of the Kingdom’s RELOCATE initiative. The strategic partnership will see Kneron establish a subsidiary in Riyadh and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious semiconductor and AI industry development goals, which include attracting 50 semiconductor firms and training 20,000 AI professionals by 2030.
By the Numbers
• USD 2 million – Non-equity grant awarded to Kneron by Saudi government
• 50 – Target number of semiconductor design companies to attract through RELOCATE
• 20,000 – AI professionals to be trained by 2030
• USD 100 billion – Saudi investment planned for “Transcendence” technology hub
Saudi’s Strategic Vision Takes Shape
The selection of Kneron for the RELOCATE program represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s technology transformation agenda. Led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), RELOCATE aims to establish the Kingdom as a global semiconductor and AI hub. By bringing in companies with expertise in reconfigurable Neural Processing Units (NPUs), Saudi Arabia is building the technical foundation needed for its digital economy ambitions.
The Partnership Details
Kneron’s involvement goes beyond just receiving funding. The company has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub (NSH), which is working to foster a fabless semiconductor ecosystem in the Kingdom. As part of this collaboration, Kneron will establish a local subsidiary in Riyadh, creating a physical presence that will facilitate knowledge transfer and local capacity building.
About the Key Players
Kneron specializes in full-stack edge AI solutions, developing integrated hardware and software for vehicle applications, security systems, and broader AIoT use cases. Their expertise in edge AI technology aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s focus on building technological sovereignty and developing indigenous AI capabilities.
The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) serves as the executing arm of Saudi Arabia’s technology ambitions, while the National Semiconductor Hub (NSH) focuses specifically on building the Kingdom’s semiconductor design and development capabilities.
Building the “Transcendence” Tech Hub
This grant is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger USD 100 billion investment plan to build “Transcendence,” a next-generation technology hub. The initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy beyond oil and establishing itself as a regional technology powerhouse. By attracting leading international tech companies while simultaneously developing local talent, Saudi Arabia is creating a comprehensive ecosystem for innovation.
Impact on the MENA Tech Ecosystem
Saudi Arabia’s aggressive technology investment strategy is reshaping the MENA startup and tech landscape. The RELOCATE program demonstrates how the Kingdom is using strategic grants and partnerships to attract global expertise while building local capabilities. This approach could serve as a model for other countries in the region looking to accelerate their digital transformation.
Looking Ahead
For Saudi Arabia, Kneron’s participation validates the RELOCATE program’s ability to attract top-tier international technology companies. The company plans to use the grant to establish a technological hub for advanced AI chip R&D and commercialization, leveraging the Kingdom’s growing semiconductor infrastructure.
The partnership also signals Saudi Arabia’s intention to focus on critical technologies like edge AI, which will be essential for smart cities, enterprise AI applications, and digital transformation initiatives across the Kingdom. As more companies join the RELOCATE program, Saudi Arabia moves closer to its goal of becoming a global technology hub with strong local capabilities in semiconductor design and AI development.
Source: WAYA
