Saudi King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) - west of the Kingdom - is investing in a company specialized in developing smart indoor farming, valued at $3.5 million.
The initiative aims to provide indoor farming technology for crops and leafy vegetables in the Kingdom, thus providing fresh products locally throughout the year and reducing waste in the food supply chain.
KAUST Vice President of Innovation and Economic Development Kevin Cullen affirmed that one of the university’s main priorities is supporting emerging companies and talented entrepreneurship.
Cullen indicated that the department also wants to enhance the ecosystem for growing innovation in the Kingdom, which will consolidate the university’s national role as a research institution.
He pointed out that the company received an amount of $2 million from the KAUST Innovation Fund.
The company is growing in the United States and Europe; however, it chose to move to the Research and Technology Park in KAUST, which will enrich its research, development, and innovation capabilities.
In addition, this will create new job opportunities supported by the university while highlighting the Kingdom as an ideal business option in the Middle East.
