KACST and Lenovo sign MoU to launch innovation and creativity center in the KSA

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Lenovo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to inaugurate the Lenovo Innovation and Creativity Centre in the Kingdom. The facility is set to become the first innovation centre in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to accelerate digital transformation and enhance cooperation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC).

To accelerate the research, development, and commercialization of solutions related to several verticals, including genomics, satellite image interpretation, environment, and clean energy, the partnership will see KACST and Lenovo work together on creating the largest and most sustainable high-performance computing cluster.

The memorandum of understanding was executed during the LEAP Technical International Conference, witnessed by Hakem Al Sagri, who serves as the Vice President of Digital Transformation at KACST, and Giovanni Di Filippo, who is the EMEA President of Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group. Additionally, several other representatives from both KACST and Lenovo were present at the event.

Commenting on the partnership, Hakem Al Sagri said “Our partnership with Lenovo, a global leader, will help us explore opportunities to identify industry-specific solutions that will help the socio-economic development of the country. The collaboration will also allow us to further enhance our digital capabilities and will open doors to establish and develop a technology incubator platform, exchange experiences, and business development methodologies.”

Giovanni Di Filippo said “The growth of digitalization in the Kingdom is on a rapid scale, and a new era is right around the corner. This requires technology and innovation to play a critical role in setting a new foundation and framework for the future. Keeping this in mind, not only will Lenovo play a key role in supporting innovation and development, but in the overall collaborative strategy of advancing digital transformation across the Kingdom supporting the government’s 2030 vision. We look forward to supporting KACST with our core competencies and aim to provide guidance, rationale, and support in key challenge areas.”

Lenovo will gain from the city’s technology-related services and goods, especially at the Innovation Tower, as a result of the agreement. Access to testing and prototype labs for new goods as well as advice from HPC industry specialists are additional advantages.