King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is the entity responsible for conducting applied scientific research in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its responsibilities include: providing national advice on technology services, developing dedicated mechanisms for transforming scientific research and technological development outputs into industrial products, developing the National Strategy of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), and providing scientific support services for universities and research centers.
The city has carried its current name since December 31, 1985, after King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a Royal Decree to transform the National Center for Science and Technology, which was established in 1984, into King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. The initial interest of the Kingdom in this field dates back to the era of King Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who ordered, on November 29, 1977, the establishment of the National Center for Science and Technology.
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology service fields
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology is involved in many fields, including:
- Scientific research support: This includes scientific support services for universities, a technical logistics support system, and promoting scientific awareness through seven main programs, which stem from the supply and demand perspective of job markets.
- Laboratories and technological development: It is a sector that plays a fundamental role in the laboratory and technological services provided to beneficiaries and aims at improving and developing the quality of work of central laboratories while supporting and developing technical systems, infrastructure, and technical services.
- Innovation support: Innovation is supported by managing innovation and marketing affairs, thus playing a significant role in KACST by providing dedicated services revolving around technology transfer, business incubators and accelerators, technological investments, laboratory services marketing, research and development outputs and services, and advanced manufacturing.
Saudi Human Genome Program
On December 8, 2013, KACST launched the Saudi Human Genome Program, a national genetic library that soon became one of the Saudi Vision 2030 national transformation programs aimed at discovering and focusing on mutations causing genetic and common diseases spread across Saudi society.
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology key achievements
One of the most prominent achievements of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology was its success in launching the first Saudi communications satellite (SGS-1) from the Guiana Space Center in France in 2019, aboard the Ariane 5 rocket. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, crown prince and prime minister signed the last piece of the rocket with the phrase High above the clouds.
Roles and functions of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology manages its operations from its main headquarters in the capital, Riyadh. It is entrusted with several roles and specializations, the most prominent of which are: investing in technology development, conducting applied scientific research, enhancing partnerships with countries to transfer, localize, and develop technology, in addition to supporting innovative solutions, providing consultancy, and services, and coordinating the national activities in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
Related quizzes
