KAUST is thrilled to announce the launch of a new master’s degree program — the first of its kind in the region — the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) M.Sc. degree, which will receive the first cohort of students in August 2024. The curriculum of the degree is specifically designed to promote creativity, problem-solving skills and hands-on experiences for students in a framework of scientific investigation and practical application. The degree will integrate core courses with diverse electives and will include summer internships and product development in alignment with Vision 2030 and the new KAUST strategy. 

The program aims to transform research into economically viable innovations, contributing to the growth of the Kingdom's economy and the overall improvement of the quality of life of the Kingdom’s citizens. 

During the master’s program, students will learn about the entire deep tech product development process, from ideation to prototyping and commercialization. The interdisciplinary project-focused curriculum will be based on scientific, data-driven research methods. Students will also be provided with an education that emphasizes creative thinking, identifying opportunities and taking calculated risks — all essential skills for starting entrepreneurial ventures or securing positions in innovative companies in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The students will also benefit from the world-leading KAUST fellowship during the study.  

“The economic and social transformation of the Kingdom requires new generations of innovators and entrepreneurs. We are thrilled to launch this program under the guidance of the new strategy and in alignment with Vision 2030. We encourage ambitious Saudi and international students to apply to join this exciting journey,” said KAUST President Tony Chan. 

To accelerate these goals, during the first 10 months of the program, students will be enrolled in a tailored curriculum of courses, covering a range of topics including engineering quantitative methods, manufacturing, design thinking, mechatronics, programming, robotics, machine learning and entrepreneurship. During this time on the KAUST campus, the TIE program will also offer access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, world-class mentors, industry partners and startup founders, and it will provide students with opportunities to network with investors. 

For the final six months of the 16-month program, students will dive into product and venture development at the renowned InnoX Academy in Shenzhen, where they will collaborate with innovation leaders and enjoy an immersive experience in the “Silicon Valley of the East.” 

The graduates of the TIE master’s degree are expected to become future leaders in startups and innovative entities. Admissions are now being accepted. More information about the program can be found at TIE.kaust.edu.sa.