Under the Patronage of the Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal
King Abdulaziz University Launches the First Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference in Saudi Universities
Under the patronage of the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Makkah Region, King Abdulaziz University has launched the First Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference in Saudi Universities, held from 21 to 22 October 2025, under the theme: “Idea, Invention, and Impact.” The conference brings together 22 Saudi universities, aiming to strengthen the role of academic institutions as a key driver of economic development.
The event features 105 speakers participating in various sessions, panel discussions, and workshops. It highlights a wide array of topics aligned with the conference’s objectives, delivered through research papers and scientific sessions led by renowned speakers and specialists. The target audience includes academics, professionals, researchers, students, experts in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as policymakers and government leaders interested in advancing the field.
Dr. Musab Faleh Al-Harbi, Director of the Corporate Communication Center and Official Spokesperson of King Abdulaziz University, stated that the conference marks a major step in supporting the national innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. It focuses on vital themes such as the knowledge economy, intellectual property, and investment in inventions, with the participation of national entities including Monsha’at and the Research, Development & Innovation Authority. He emphasized that universities serve as fertile ground and a fundamental pillar for supporting this ecosystem in the Kingdom.
He further explained that the conference aims to foster national development and enhance the innovation and entrepreneurship environment within Saudi universities by promoting a culture of innovation in society and aligning university education outputs with labor market needs. This will help produce a competitive generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. The event also seeks to activate the role of universities in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by building local and international partnerships and providing support and incentives for research and innovation to ensure their application in industry and solving developmental challenges.
The conference covers four main tracks addressing current challenges and opportunities:
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Building innovation and entrepreneurship in universities
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The knowledge economy and its societal and individual impact
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Technology transfer and localization
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Entrepreneurship and investments in inventions
These tracks include discussions on minimizing the gap between research and development outputs and the industrial sector, and on analyzing best local and global practices.
Additionally, the conference aims to transform research outputs into startups and high-value products in alignment with the Human Capability Development Program and Vision 2030 targets. It also seeks to enhance awareness of entrepreneurship as a vital economic and professional pathway, and reaffirm the pivotal role of universities in shaping future leaders capable of driving sustainable development in the Kingdom. The conference is expected to generate practical recommendations that benefit both academia and industry.
The discussions will explore ways to support entrepreneurship and boost national and foreign investment in innovative startups, enabling universities to perform their roles more efficiently and effectively in serving the nation and the community. The university spokesperson emphasized that innovation is a collective responsibility requiring unified efforts. The active participation of attendees will contribute to enriching the dialogue and producing actionable recommendations that strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship infrastructure across Saudi universities.
