Cisco, KAUST launch AI institute to drive Saudi innovation
Cisco and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have announced a major expansion of their partnership with the launch of a new AI Institute at KAUST’s campus in Saudi Arabia. The initiative, unveiled in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy and KAUST Board Chairman, aims to advance AI research, education, and workforce development in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
The institute will combine Cisco’s expertise in networking, cybersecurity, and cloud-scale AI infrastructure with KAUST’s research capabilities and academic excellence. It will focus on applied AI in areas such as AI-native communication systems, edge computing for Industry 5.0, autonomous mobility, and public-interest sectors, including water, energy, food, and health. Cisco will contribute its latest technology, including a Cisco AI POD—a modular, pre-validated AI infrastructure solution designed to accelerate secure, large-scale AI innovation.
The collaboration builds on Cisco’s 25-year presence in Saudi Arabia and its Country Digital Acceleration program, which has delivered 23 digital transformation projects nationwide. It also extends Cisco Networking Academy’s commitment to train 500,000 Saudi learners in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming over a five-year period. The institute will be jointly governed by KAUST and Cisco leadership, reinforcing their shared goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for AI talent and innovation.
