King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has launched a unique 16-month Master’s program in Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE).
This pioneering program is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and guidance to transform research innovations into marketable products and services. The TIE program emphasizes project-based learning, blending deep technical development with entrepreneurship training.
Students will gain experience in various technical fields such as design thinking, product design, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and robotics. Additionally, they will learn entrepreneurial skills including innovative idea development, market feasibility studies, product validation, and business plan preparation.
This approach enables students to lead innovative projects and establish startups. The program promotes interdisciplinary expertise, practical experience, data-driven decision making, and strategic business acumen.
Designed to foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning, the TIE program encourages public-private partnerships and supports startups and SMEs. This fall, the first cohort of 30 talented students, including 18 Saudis, will begin their studies at the new Suliman Saleh AlAliyan Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at KAUST.
The program includes a six-month opportunity in Shenzhen, China, known as the “Silicon Valley of the East.” Here, students will collaborate with leading tech companies and incubators to turn their ideas into tangible products. KAUST has been at the forefront of building relationships with Shenzhen’s innovation ecosystem, with Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner.
The TIE program exemplifies KAUST’s dedication to bridging academia and industry through international partnerships, creating a continuous talent pipeline that drives economic diversification and impactful innovations in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the program aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, inspiring students to develop innovative solutions for the country’s pressing challenges.
Professor Amer Farooq, Director of the TIE program, expressed enthusiasm for welcoming the first cohort of talented students, emphasizing KAUST’s focus on transforming innovations into commercial products. Professor Mikkel Draeby highlighted the importance of equipping students with essential entrepreneurial skills to successfully transition from idea to impactful innovation.
