Riyadh: The Saudi startup VisiGround is pioneering advanced technologies for early detection of water and oil leaks, as well as identifying buried objects beneath the earth’s surface. Leveraging cutting-edge radar systems integrated with intelligent robotics, the company offers breakthrough solutions that overcome the limitations of conventional ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
According to Saudi Press Agency, the technology delivers rapid and highly accurate data to locate underground cables, voids, and pipelines, helping organizations make proactive maintenance decisions, avoid costly excavation work, and protect infrastructure.
In addition, VisiGround supports local content by designing and manufacturing its systems in Saudi Arabia, while advancing the knowledge economy through innovation and technology transfer. Born out of applied research at the National Laboratory of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the solution contributes to sustainability by safeguarding groundwater from contamination, enabling resource exploration, and assisting municipalities in smarter planning for roads and sewage systems. Its applications extend to urban infrastructure monitoring, search-and-rescue operations, landmine detection, and archaeological exploration.
The system combines a dual-radar platform with mobile robots that transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. Data is analyzed using advanced algorithms to detect pipeline leaks, buried structures, communication lines, and electrical cables, delivering high-resolution 3D imagery of underground assets and their condition to prevent damage during excavation.
VisiGround’s innovation has been granted a U.S. patent, earned first place in both the MiyahThon and the Sustainability Innovation Challenge, and secured second place in the Global Infrastructure Forum’s Research and Innovation track. The startup also advanced to the finals of the Jameel Deeptech Initiative and was named among the top six Saudi startups in the Sahabah program.
Graduated from KACST’s Venture Program (KVP), VisiGround is now working to develop an integrated data analytics platform to enhance system efficiency and provide actionable intelligence to water utilities and infrastructure managers. The company aims to expand both within Saudi Arabia and internationally through strategic partnerships with government bodies and infrastructure operators, delivering eco-friendly solutions that align with Saudi Vision 2030 and its focus on innovation and sustainability across vital sectors.
