Riyadh: In the presence of Minister of Energy and Chairman of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Board of Trustees Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, KAUST and Cisco, the global leader in networking and security, today announced a significant expansion of their strategic collaboration with the establishment of a cutting-edge AI Institute. This initiative will bring together Cisco’s global leadership in networking, cybersecurity, and cloud-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure with KAUST’s world-class academic research, advanced facilities, and pivotal role in education.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the institute will be located at the KAUST campus in Saudi Arabia and will be dedicated to advancing AI research, development, and education. This represents a major milestone in fostering innovation and developing a highly skilled AI workforce within the Kingdom. The new AI Institute at KAUST is expected to become a cornerstone for AI innovation in the Kingdom, aligning with Vision 2030, building on more than two decades of collaboration between Cisco and Saudi Arabia.
KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC commented on the partnership’s significance, stating, “Our long-standing partnership with Cisco has been instrumental in realizing KAUST’s vision.” He highlighted the institute’s role in equipping students with vital skills for future jobs, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and reinforcing leadership in scientific and technological education and research.
Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins emphasized the potential of AI, saying, “To unlock the promise of AI, we must upskill the workforce to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation.” He noted that AI is set to unlock groundbreaking opportunities for economic growth, accelerating Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Cisco AI Institute at KAUST builds on the 25-year partnership with the Kingdom, aiming to ensure everyone can harness AI’s potential in Saudi Arabia.
The institute’s agenda will focus on applied research for AI-native communication systems and advanced edge infrastructure for Industry 5.0, including intelligent factories, autonomous mobility, and intelligent transport systems. It will also prioritize AI-driven use cases addressing vital public-interest sectors like water, energy, food, and health. Cisco’s contributions include the donation of its latest technology, such as a Cisco AI POD, a modular AI infrastructure solution designed to facilitate innovation securely at scale.
Additionally, the initiative aims to develop local AI talent, building on Cisco’s commitment to provide free digital upskilling for 500,000 learners in Saudi Arabia over five years through Cisco Networking Academy. This focuses on AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming, expanding on the academy’s success in training over 480,000 learners in Saudi Arabia, with 36% female participation.
The AI Institute is part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, which has driven digital transformation in Saudi Arabia since 2016, delivering 23 high-impact projects across sectors like healthcare, education, smart cities, and government services. The institute will be overseen by a joint governing board from KAUST and Cisco, providing strategic direction and collaborative oversight.
