Ministry of Communications Unveils Roadmap for Building Deep Tech Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia

20:15-6 January 2025 AD ـ 07 Rajab 1446 AH

Ministry of Communications Unveils Roadmap for Building Deep Tech Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and in collaboration with "Hello Tomorrow," has launched the Deep Tech Report, highlighting the current state and future prospects of the deep tech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and key initiatives supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The report aims to shed light on the opportunities and potential in this vital sector, recognized as a cornerstone for advancing the digital economy and sustainable development, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

It focuses on five primary pillars of Saudi Arabia’s deep tech ecosystem: deep tech ecosystem, investment, infrastructure and ecosystem enablers, talent, and policies, regulations, and government incentives. It also emphasizes the role of research, development, and innovation in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced technologies.

The report reveals significant growth in the deep tech sector, with 50% of startups focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). There are more than 43 high-growth startups driving innovation in the Kingdom, collectively securing over $987 million in funding in 2022, supported by 104 investors. Additionally, the number of researchers in Saudi Arabia has risen by 75% since 2015, reflecting the nation’s commitment to advancing research and development.

Vice Minister for Technology Mohammed Robayan stated that the report represents an important step in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for advanced technologies. By prioritizing innovation and investing in talent and infrastructure, the Kingdom aims to build an integrated ecosystem that supports digital transformation and sustainable development.

He encouraged stakeholders in the public and private sectors, particularly academic institutions and investors, to leverage the report’s insights to create a roadmap that fosters innovation and contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Nvidia Ramps up AI Tech for Games, Robots and Autos

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang holds a new Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card as he gives a keynote address at CES 2025, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, January 6, 2025. (Reuters)

11:31-7 January 2025 AD ـ 08 Rajab 1446 AH

Nvidia Ramps up AI Tech for Games, Robots and Autos

Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang made a rock star appearance at a packed arena late Monday, touting AI chips and software for robots, cars, video games and more.

After years of being on the sidelines at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, talk of computer chips was a hot ticket as people queued for hours to fill an arena to hear Huang talk AI.

"When you see application after application that is AI driven, at the core of it is that machine learning has changed how computing will be done," Jensen said during a one-man presentation on stage.

"There are so many things you can't do without AI."

Jensen's keynote came on the eve of the opening of the CES show floor, and on a day that Nvidia shares closed at a new record, giving the Silicon Valley company a market valuation of more than $3.6 trillion.

Nvidia's graphics unit processors (GPUs) for powering AI in datacenters have been snapped up by Google, Microsoft, Meta, OpenAI and others racing to be leaders in the technology.

During a lengthy presentation in Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay resort, Huang introduced a GPU for ramping up AI capabilities in personal computers where Nvidia won the loyalty of gamers in the company's early days.

Nvidia touted the new GeForce RTX 50 series for desktop and laptop computers based on Blackwell chip architecture as its most advanced consumer GPUs.

"Blackwell, the engine of AI, has arrived for PC gamers, developers and creatives," Huang said.

PCs enhanced with RTX chips for AI capabilities will be available from an array of manufacturers including Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Razer and Samsung, according to Nvidia.

An AI PC displayed during the presentation was priced at $1,299, built with the $549 RTX chip at the starting point of the new GPU line-up.

Along with rapid rendering of rich gameplay action, Nvidia AI technology will enable the creation of characters that perceive, plan and act like human players, according to Nvidia.

Such autonomous characters are being integrated into games including "PUBG: Battlegrounds", according to Nvidia.

Huang also introduced a family foundation models open to the world for advancing "physical AI" that enables robots to understand and engage in real-world tasks.

Nvidia expanded partnerships and technology for autonomous capabilities in cars as well, with Toyota joining its roster of partners.

Ministry of Communications Unveils Roadmap for Building Deep Tech Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia