​Air Products signed an agreement to become a strategic partner of the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) with the University. A world-leading global industrial gases company, Air Products is the latest influential international company to join the KICP network. The network encourages relationships between academia and industry to blossom through strong research partnerships that take the latest advancements in science and technology to the marketplace.

Dr. Samir J. Serhan, executive vice president at Air Products, said, “This agreement not only gives Air Products access to KAUST’s innovative research, technologies and talent pool, but it also provides a collaborative platform that will help Air Products tackle technology challenges in the industrial gases business. Through the collaboration, we will aim towards achieving our higher purpose: to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers and communities around the world.”

The KICP also provides Air Products with a platform to access KAUST’s world-leading expertise, equipment and research infrastructure. This will enable the company to further its research and development activity in the areas of carbon dioxide capture and storage; adsorbent membrane-based gas separation; syngas and hydrogen production; steam reforming and residual gasification technologies.

“We are pleased to welcome Air Products to KAUST’s KICP network and look forward to working with them to ensure that KAUST’s world class expertise and cutting edge technological resources add real value to their company. This collaboration will open up new scientific opportunities and advantages to Air Products," said Dr. Tony Chan, president of KAUST.

Dr. Tony Chan, president of KAUST, signs an agreement for Air Products to become strategic partner of the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program. Photo by Sarah Munshi.

Air Products first identified opportunities for collaboration with KAUST during a visit to campus earlier this year. During the visit, members of the company toured KAUST facilities, including the KAUST Core Labs.

“This collaboration agreement will facilitate access for Air Products to KAUST’s specialized research equipment operated by expert staff with advanced degrees in science and engineering. KAUST’s research infrastructure will complement and support the company's strengths in material and surface sciences, application and engineering excellence,” stated Dr. Justin Mynar, director of the Core Labs.

The KICP is a membership-based program with the objective of fostering strong and productive partnerships with industry, generating value for both KAUST and the KICP members. This is done through facilitating engagement of industry with KAUST’s faculty, the University's world-class talent pool and technology commercialization capability. Existing KICP members include some of the largest and most influential technology intensive corporations in the world.

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