KACST seeks to utilize scientific research in industrial development. Thus, in response to the recommendations of the Advisory Board for the Supreme Economic Council, KACST has established a center for technology development to help transfer technology to the Kingdom & assist investors & researchers. KACST is currently implementing three programs:
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The Technology Incubators & Parks Program:
This program collaborates with the different national sectors (universities, research centers, business enterprises) to develop technology. The program is intended to perform the following:
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Help create technology parks & incubators.
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Facilitate the initiation of projects for technology development in the Kingdom.
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Help researchers & investors improve the chances of obtaining commercial technology projects.
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Assist in the transfer & adaptation of technology from outside sources to serve investors & researchers.
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Help provide information on technology & business.
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Facilitate partnerships between investors, entrepreneurs and industrials on the one hand, and researchers and research and academic institutions on the other.
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The Technology Innovation Centers (TICs)
The program intends to promote collaborative research with industry. The Technology Innovation Centers (TICs) will be funded and managed by KACST, located at universities, and focused on industry-relevant research.
Developed under the supervision of the Strategic Technologies Committee, the TICs will address three major goals:
- Excellence in research,
- Education and training, and
- Knowledge transfer to industry in a variety of technical fields.
The TIC program has been recently launched. KACST invites the Kingdom’s research community to explore the TIC RFP 2009 and apply as per the deadlines mentioned in the RFP.
Request for Proposal (RFP) Release: 31 October 2009 passed
Letter of Intent Due: 15 December 2009 Passed
Acceptant Letter Due: 21 December 2009 Sent
Full Proposal Due: 1 March 2010
Award Announcement: 1 May 2010
TICs Launch: 1 June 2010