stc Group Announces Launch of 11th Batch to Support Digital Innovation through inspireU

stc Group Announces Launch of 11th Batch to Support Digital Innovation through inspireU
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stc Group Announces Launch of 11th Batch to Support Digital Innovation through inspireU

stc Group Announces Launch of 11th Batch to Support Digital Innovation through inspireU

stc Group, the engine of digital transformation, has announced the launch of the 11th intake of the "inspireU: General Program", a program designed to propel early-stage startups forward with a focus on strategic domains by having a specialized track on gaming with stc play, cybersecurity with sirar by stc, fintech with stc Bank, and IoT with iot squared, according to an stc press release.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, inspireU aims to diversify the economy and foster digital innovation, SPA reported.

Through this program, stc creates a supportive environment for startups and enables entrepreneurs. The program aims to accelerate worldwide startup growth and create value for stc by facilitating the link between stc ecosystem startups, offering international and local promotional exposure, soft-landing support, services from inspireU partners, office space 24/7, Silicon Valley expertise, world-class mentoring, and fundraising support.
Since its inception in 2015, the inspireU program has been a beacon of success, accelerating and promoting over 110 digital startups across diverse fields. These startups have generated investments exceeding 1 billion SAR and have developed a market value of more than 12 billion SAR.

This success has translated into over 600,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, benefiting a user of more than 40 million individuals.
The program also aims to significantly impact the region, fostering innovation and accelerating growth. In addition, its contribution to the local and global entrepreneurial landscape is anticipated to positively influence the GDP and drive technological advancements.



Saudi KAUST Partners with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Toyota to Advance Zero-Carbon Fuel Cell Technologies

The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. (SPA)
The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. (SPA)
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Saudi KAUST Partners with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Toyota to Advance Zero-Carbon Fuel Cell Technologies

The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. (SPA)
The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) have embarked on a strategic partnership to advance hydrogen fuel cell research in Saudi Arabia.

The collaboration aims to support the Kingdom's decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060.

As a centerpiece of this partnership, KAUST has acquired Proton Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell modules from TMC, establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory at KAUST under its Clean Energy Research Platform (CERP) dedicated to advancing this cutting-edge technology, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The facility will be at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's efforts to lead in hydrogen innovation, particularly in tailoring fuel cells to the region's unique environmental conditions.

Professor Mani Sarathy, from KAUST's Physical Science and Engineering Division, said: “At KAUST, we are excited to collaborate with TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors to drive the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and net-zero goals for 2060.”

“Through our Clean Energy Research Platform (CERP), we are focused on advancing research that will optimize hydrogen fuel cells for the region's specific conditions, ensuring their efficiency and reliability. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to pioneering innovations that support sustainable solutions and contribute to a greener future for Saudi Arabia and beyond,” he said.

Sarathy and his team at CERP are currently leading research efforts to explore the performance, durability, and environmental integration of PEM fuel cells, supported technically and financially by TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors.

The team is conducting a series of modeling and experimental studies to assess factors such as temperature sensitivity, humidity impact, and overall efficiency, with the goal of maximizing the environmental benefits of these fuel cells within the Kingdom's infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia, with its vast renewable energy resources, is well-positioned to produce both green hydrogen and blue hydrogen using Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology. With this in mind, the Kingdom aims to produce approximately 2.9 million tons of hydrogen by 2030, with competitive costs for both domestic use and export.