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KAUST and the Industrial Clusters virtually sign National BioPark Memorandum of Understanding

Apr 09, 2020 Innovation

A rendering of the proposed BioPark, which will be located on the KAUST campus. The University and Industrial Clusters virtually signed an MoU to inaugurate the project. File photo.

KAUST and the Industrial Clusters (IC), one of the leading governmental entities to develop competitive industrial sectors in Saudi Arabia, joined together virtually on April 2 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU formalized hosting a National BioPark project in the KAUST Research and Technology Park (KRTP).

The virtual signing ceremony was the first of its kind for KAUST and took place due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the world has knit together more than ever before, resulting in the University's decision to turn to an innovative, virtual online MoU ceremony that symbolizes future industry collaboration.

The development of a National BioPark at KAUST coordinated by IC is vital for the growth of research and technology development in biopharmaceutical, smart health and associated AI technologies. The BioPark cluster is part of the KRTP masterplan and aligns with the emerging initiatives of the University's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering division and Smart Health Program.

Growing the biopharmaceutical industry

The BioPark is a major initiative by IC under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program to provide the right infrastructure and ecosystem required for the biopharmaceutical industry's growth and development in the Kingdom.

"There is no place like KAUST to host such initiative, [as KAUST is] a national innovation and R&D hub for the biotechnology industry within the Kingdom," stated Eng. Nizar Al-Hariri, IC president.

The BioPark initiative is intended as a national innovation and R&D hub for the biotechnology industry in the Kingdom. KAUST will provide entrepreneurs and investors associated with the BioPark access to the KAUST innovation ecosystem, services and related facilities.

KAUST President Tony Chan takes part in the first virtual signing from his home office due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chan joined a team of professionals to sign an MoU with the Industrial Clusters that looks to develop a BioPark at KAUST. File photo.

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"The Industrial Clusters BioPark is an important innovation step for the Kingdom to advance the growth of biotechnology development in the region," said KAUST President Tony Chan. "This BioPark will help attract more healthcare-focused companies and experts to Saudi Arabia. We look forward to working with Industrial Clusters to develop the BioPark to facilitate the movement of new ideas and create an innovation ecosystem between KAUST and industry."

Catalyzing development

IC was founded in 2008, and its mission is to catalyze the development of export-oriented and globally competitive industries that leverage the Kingdom's resources. The development significantly contributes to diversifying the economy and creating substantial job opportunities.

IC develops key projects in targeted industries and facilitates efforts by investors to explore and invest in industrial projects in targeted industry clusters, with pharma and biotech considered to be some of the most important clusters for Saudi Arabia and the region. IC has already worked closely with KAUST to reach its goals.

A team of professionals from KAUST and the Industrial Clusters takes part in a virtual signing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. File photo.

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"Today, we live in an unprecedented time of global concern to overcome pandemics [that pose]...threats to every single country in the world," said Al-Hariri. "Developing a BioPark with great partners like KAUST provides better chances for Saudi Arabia, MENA and the OIC countries to prepare and be ready against pandemics. The BioPark will be a perfect venue to host advanced biotech companies both locally and from around the world to work hand-[in]-hand [in] the KAUST atmosphere, providing the right technical training, R&D and manufacturing of key biologics medications needed for Saudi Arabia and the world."

Benefiting from the KAUST ecosystem

After an exploratory tour of various sites around the Kingdom, KAUST was found to have all the ecosystem requirements needed to establish a National BioPark. The BioPark hub will attract more companies and startups to join and benefit from the KAUST ecosystem. As an R&D partner for startups and companies in the Kingdom, the addition of the BioPark further expands on the University's continued contribution to upholding and assisting ahead-of-the-curve tech ventures that benefit the greater good.

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