King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has completed a training program for 27 students from 11 Saudi universities, designed to build expertise in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, virtual and augmented reality, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing.

Over an intensive eight-week period, participants developed specialized projects under the guidance of researchers and industry experts.

Projects included a virtual reality bike, remotely operated robotic arms, a navigation system for autonomous vehicles, an automated sign-language translator, and generative AI tools designed to support people with disabilities.

The program is part of KACST’s wider efforts to equip young Saudis with expertise in emerging technologies and prepare them for future research and innovation environments.

It also seeks to bridge the gap between academic training and labor market needs, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

As part of this strategy, the Kingdom is working to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence and a data-driven economy. Plans include training and empowering more than 20,000 data and AI specialists by 2030, alongside the introduction of a new AI curriculum for millions of students beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year.