In this keynote, attendees will dive into Saudi Arabia’s four core R&D focus areas, shaping the nation’s innovation landscape. Dr. Alotaibi will highlight mission-led efforts to tackle water security through advanced desalination technologies and smart water management, and food security through sustainable agriculture initiatives and enhanced local production. The discussion will explore partnerships driving these missions, including collaborations with research institutions and international organizations, advancing progress toward the nation’s long-term vision.

This session will unveil a range of transformative initiatives aimed at driving sustainability and innovation in Saudi Arabia. It will introduce new talent development and financing programs, cutting-edge infrastructure projects, and significant regulatory updates. It will also celebrate notable achievements in entrepreneurship and launch pivotal research frameworks. Be part of this exciting journey toward a sustainable future.

This keynote will examine the transformative power of mission-driven innovation in tackling the most pressing global challenges of our time, including climate change, water scarcity, and food security. Dr. Mazzucato will discuss how focusing on targeted missions can spur economic growth while creating sustainable solutions to these critical issues, offering a roadmap for how countries can align innovation efforts with broader sustainability goals.

This session will showcase Saudi Arabia’s leading innovators and researchers in sustainability, providing concrete examples of successful projects that are driving progress in the sustainability sector. It aims to spread insights into the groundbreaking work being done within the Kingdom, highlighting how these initiatives are shaping a more sustainable future. It will focus on the achievements and the impact of these innovators in advancing environmental and technological solutions.

This session will formally define Saudi Arabia’s Water and Food Security Missions, outlining their key objectives and focus areas in relation to ongoing sustainability efforts.

This session offers insights into the impact of policy on sustainability innovation from an international perspective. Attendees will join to discuss the significance of policy in shaping sustainable practices and enhancing innovation worldwide. Attendees will actively be a part of the discussion on shaping a sustainable future through impactful policy-making.

This session explores how institutions can collaborate with policymakers to create frameworks essential for sustainable development. Attendees will discuss the role of these frameworks in driving sustainable practices and fostering innovation, contributing to shaping a sustainable future through impactful collaboration.

This session will delve into the crucial role innovative policies play in enhancing water supply and quality. It aims to showcase how effective policy frameworks can address and resolve key challenges in water resource management. Participants will gain insights into the latest approaches that are redefining water sustainability, focusing on how these strategies can significantly improve both the availability and quality of water. Attendees will learn how strategic policies can make a significant impact on water sustainability.

This session will explore how transformative food policies are being implemented to strengthen food security. It will explore the policy-driven approaches that address critical challenges in the food sector and support sustainable development. Aims for attendees to learn about the impactful strategies making a difference in ensuring food availability and sustainability.

This session will officially announce a key policy document outlining Saudi Arabia’s science and innovation priorities for the next decade. It will also showcase joint innovation projects featuring contributions from startups, highlighting their role in advancing sustainability. It will illustrate the strategic directions and collaborative efforts shaping the future of research and development in sustainability.

Giga-projects’ leads will present and discuss how giga-projects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project, are leveraging cutting-edge R&D to solve sustainability challenges. Discussions will cover how these projects are positioning themselves as global hubs for sustainability innovation, focusing on water, environment, and agriculture solutions that can be scaled worldwide.

This fireside chat will provide an overview of the current research and innovation efforts in sustainability. It will explore significant advancements and trends shaping the sustainability research landscape. Participants will gain insights into how these efforts contribute to sustainable development and what the future holds for R&D in this critical area.

This session will explore the role of intellectual property (IP) protection in the field of sustainability, discussing its impact on the development and implementation of sustainable innovations.

This session will explore the dual role of sustainability innovation in addressing climate challenges and creating economic growth.

This session will examine the future outlook of innovation in Saudi Arabia, focusing on emerging trends and key developments that are shaping Saudi Arabia’s innovation landscape.

This session will examine how the private sector is incorporating sustainability into its core strategies, emphasizing sustainable practices for long-term business success.

This session will delve into the role of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) and their effectiveness in fostering innovation. It will critically assess the practical impact of TTOs and address common perceptions versus actual outcomes in the field of sustainability.

The hybrid session will explore the critical role of developing scientific talent and sustainability skills to foster innovation in the water and agriculture sectors.

This session will highlight how innovative ideas can be transformed into impactful solutions by bridging the gap between innovation and industry. The discussion will focus on strategies for fostering collaboration between innovators and industry leaders to drive real-world applications of groundbreaking ideas.

This session will explore key lessons learned from building and maintaining resilient food systems. It will highlight successful strategies and approaches that have helped ensure food security and sustainability.

This session will discuss how artificial intelligence is being used to improve water security through advanced data analytics and monitoring systems.

This session will announce MEWA’s Innovation Deployment Program (IDP), designed to accelerate the implementation of innovative solutions in addressing critical water and food security challenges in the Kingdom. It specifically explores research and development efforts in the fight against the Red Palm Weevil (RPW), showcasing how innovative solutions are being applied in Saudi Arabia to combat this issue.

This session will explore how entrepreneurship and technology are driving the transformation of food systems, focusing on innovative solutions and entrepreneurial strategies. It will highlight how these approaches address key challenges and accelerate progress within the food sector.

This session highlights the vital role of entrepreneurship in driving sustainable innovation across diverse sectors. It will showcase how entrepreneurial efforts catalyze change, foster new ideas, and accelerate sustainable solutions with lasting impact. The discussion will explore the dynamic intersection of business and sustainability, demonstrating how entrepreneurs are shaping a more sustainable future.

This session examines the crucial role of incubators and accelerators in driving innovation for food and water security. It will highlight how these entrepreneurship platforms empower startups to develop solutions that address critical challenges in these vital sectors. The discussion will explore the impact of innovation hubs in advancing sustainability and strengthening resource security.

This session highlights the impact of deep technologies in addressing sustainability challenges across multiple sectors. It will explore how advancements in technology are transforming approaches to sustainability and paving the way for a greener future. The discussion will showcase the potential of deep tech to drive meaningful change and redefine what is possible in sustainable innovation.

This session will explore how technology and innovation are transforming the food system, with a focus on sustainability and food security. It will highlight the latest trends in sustainability-focused startup investments and showcase how emerging ventures are driving meaningful change in the food industry. The discussion will examine how strategic investments are shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for food.

This session explores the essential role of innovation hubs in supporting sustainability-focused startups and innovators. It will highlight how these hubs provide resources, mentorship, and networks that empower entrepreneurs to develop impactful solutions for a sustainable future. The discussion will showcase how innovation hubs foster a collaborative environment that drives progress in sustainability.

This session will explore the role of blended funding solutions in advancing sustainable innovation, focusing on how combined funding approaches drive impactful change in Saudi Arabia’s science and technology sectors. Dr. Ahmed Aljadaan will announce RDIA’s latest initiatives aimed at attracting investment to further support these sectors. The discussion will highlight innovative funding strategies and new developments shaping sustainable growth.

This fireside chat will explore the challenges and opportunities in addressing the funding gap faced by startups and SMEs in the sustainability sector. It will highlight strategies to help these businesses secure the financial resources needed to grow and scale their innovative solutions. The discussion will examine how a well-structured capital stack can drive sustainable innovation and support the next generation of impactful enterprises.

This session will explore how adapting global innovations can effectively address local challenges in food and water security. It will examine the importance of aligning international advancements with regional needs to enhance sustainability efforts, showcasing how global ideas are being transformed into meaningful impacts at the local level.

This session will explore how collaboration across public, private, and academic sectors can accelerate innovation in sustainability. It will highlight how ecosystem partnerships leverage the strengths of each sector to drive breakthroughs addressing pressing environmental challenges. The discussion will examine the impact of these collaborations in fostering sustainable progress and impactful innovation.

This session highlights the United Nations’ global efforts to enhance food security through international cooperation and sustainable innovation. It will showcase how the initiative brings together diverse partners to address food challenges on a global scale. The discussion will explore how collaborative strategies and innovative solutions are advancing progress in global food security efforts.