KAUST Innovation Ventures

KAUST Innovation Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2010 and located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. The firm focuses on fostering the emerging Saudi technology ecosystem by making seed and early-stage investments in high-tech startups across various sectors, including energy and environment, food and water, advanced materials, robotics, information and communications technology, and healthcare. By acting as a long-term strategic partner, KAUST Innovation Ventures supports its portfolio companies through mentorship and acceleration programs offered by its Entrepreneurship Center. The firm aims to cultivate an innovation-driven investment community and attract both local and international investors to contribute to the growth of innovative technologies in the region.

Ian Campbell

Interim Vice President and Executive Director of Special Projects, Office of President

Kevin Cullen Ph.D

Vice President of Innovation and Economic Development

Past deals in Saudi Arabia

Red Sea Farms

Venture Round in 2022
Red Sea Farms is a company based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, specializing in sustainable agriculture solutions tailored for saltwater and desert environments. It focuses on developing innovative technologies that enhance produce cultivation while conserving water and energy. The company offers a range of products and services, including technical consultancy, design, and project management for greenhouse and hydroponic farming systems. With its patent-pending technology, Red Sea Farms aims to enable farms to produce higher quality food more efficiently, ultimately increasing profitability in an environmentally sustainable manner.

MODUS Oilfield

Seed Round in 2022
MODUS Oilfield was incorporated in Saudi early 2020 with the goal of translating technologies developed by the team at KAUST. Our current focus are technologies that aim to improve drilling efficiency and decrease non-productive time.

Red Sea Farms

Series A in 2021
Red Sea Farms is a company based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, specializing in sustainable agriculture solutions tailored for saltwater and desert environments. It focuses on developing innovative technologies that enhance produce cultivation while conserving water and energy. The company offers a range of products and services, including technical consultancy, design, and project management for greenhouse and hydroponic farming systems. With its patent-pending technology, Red Sea Farms aims to enable farms to produce higher quality food more efficiently, ultimately increasing profitability in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Red Sea Farms

Seed Round in 2020
Red Sea Farms is a company based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, specializing in sustainable agriculture solutions tailored for saltwater and desert environments. It focuses on developing innovative technologies that enhance produce cultivation while conserving water and energy. The company offers a range of products and services, including technical consultancy, design, and project management for greenhouse and hydroponic farming systems. With its patent-pending technology, Red Sea Farms aims to enable farms to produce higher quality food more efficiently, ultimately increasing profitability in an environmentally sustainable manner.

EDAMA Organic Solutions

Seed Round in 2020
Based in Saudi Arabia, EDAMA addresses the challenge of organic waste, primarily food waste, which is a significant issue due to limited arable land and water resources. They aim to improve the entire food system from production to consumption, reducing waste and enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative solutions tailored for desert environments.

Sadeem Technology

Series A in 2019
Sadeem Technology develops a wireless sensing system that monitors floods, traffic, weather, and air quality in urban environments. The company deploys solar-powered, plug-and-play sensor networks, mobile applications, and visualization tools to enable disaster management and real-time situational awareness. Its sensors are installed in city infrastructure and drainage systems, facilitating early flood detection, traffic monitoring, and environmental sensing through an integrated platform. Founded in 2016 and based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, Sadeem offers a multi-patented solution comprising a network of sensors, a mobile app, and visualization tools to deliver real-time flood signals and traffic data, helping to mitigate losses and reduce congestion during extreme weather events.

Red Sea Farms

Seed Round in 2019
Red Sea Farms is a company based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, specializing in sustainable agriculture solutions tailored for saltwater and desert environments. It focuses on developing innovative technologies that enhance produce cultivation while conserving water and energy. The company offers a range of products and services, including technical consultancy, design, and project management for greenhouse and hydroponic farming systems. With its patent-pending technology, Red Sea Farms aims to enable farms to produce higher quality food more efficiently, ultimately increasing profitability in an environmentally sustainable manner.

EDAMA Organic Solutions

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Based in Saudi Arabia, EDAMA addresses the challenge of organic waste, primarily food waste, which is a significant issue due to limited arable land and water resources. They aim to improve the entire food system from production to consumption, reducing waste and enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative solutions tailored for desert environments.

NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions

Series B in 2018
NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions specializes in innovative cleaning solutions for solar panels, particularly in desert environments. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, the company has developed the NOMADD, a no-water mechanical automated dusting device designed to effectively clean solar panels in challenging, dusty conditions. This advanced system allows for the maintenance of solar installations in arid climates without the use of water, thereby preventing damage to the panels while ensuring optimal performance. The NOMADD device was initially developed at the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, reflecting a strong foundation in research and innovation. Through its unique approach, NOMADD addresses the specific cleaning challenges posed by desert environments, making it a vital player in the solar energy sector.

EDAMA Organic Solutions

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Based in Saudi Arabia, EDAMA addresses the challenge of organic waste, primarily food waste, which is a significant issue due to limited arable land and water resources. They aim to improve the entire food system from production to consumption, reducing waste and enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative solutions tailored for desert environments.

Nanosferix

Seed Round in 2018
Nanosferix, a spinoff from the KAUST Catalysis Center, specializes in the development of lightweight hollow-silica fillers designed for use in advanced composite materials. This innovative technology utilizes proprietary hollow sphere nanoparticles, which significantly reduce the weight loading of silica fillers in various commercial material systems. Nanosferix's products enhance the performance of composite materials, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including airframes, vehicle parts, body armor, and coatings. The company's focus on ultralight engineering solutions positions it to serve industries such as defense, aerospace, and sports, where high performance and strength are paramount.

Arabian Combustion Technologies

Seed Round in 2018
Arabian Combustion Technologies (ACT) is a spinout company from KAUST that specializes in advancing combustion technologies aimed at reducing environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel use. The company focuses on developing innovative solutions such as low energy desulphurization processes and novel emulsification methods to enhance fuel efficiency and minimize ecological harm in static energy generation. By partnering with leading technology providers, ACT seeks to leverage cutting-edge research to improve combustion practices both in Saudi Arabia and globally. In addition to its technological advancements, ACT is committed to fostering local talent by establishing manufacturing capabilities and creating high-value employment opportunities within the Kingdom.

Red Sea Farms

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Red Sea Farms is a company based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, specializing in sustainable agriculture solutions tailored for saltwater and desert environments. It focuses on developing innovative technologies that enhance produce cultivation while conserving water and energy. The company offers a range of products and services, including technical consultancy, design, and project management for greenhouse and hydroponic farming systems. With its patent-pending technology, Red Sea Farms aims to enable farms to produce higher quality food more efficiently, ultimately increasing profitability in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Sadeem Technology

Seed Round in 2017
Sadeem Technology develops a wireless sensing system that monitors floods, traffic, weather, and air quality in urban environments. The company deploys solar-powered, plug-and-play sensor networks, mobile applications, and visualization tools to enable disaster management and real-time situational awareness. Its sensors are installed in city infrastructure and drainage systems, facilitating early flood detection, traffic monitoring, and environmental sensing through an integrated platform. Founded in 2016 and based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, Sadeem offers a multi-patented solution comprising a network of sensors, a mobile app, and visualization tools to deliver real-time flood signals and traffic data, helping to mitigate losses and reduce congestion during extreme weather events.

iDive

Seed Round in 2017
iDive is a company that originated from the Red Sea Research Center at KAUST, focusing on enhancing data recording for scuba divers. The company has developed a waterproofing product that allows divers to utilize the full capabilities of touchscreen mobile devices underwater. This innovation enables users to record information, capture photos, and engage in underwater games, making the diving experience more interactive and enjoyable. By combining technology with the underwater environment, iDive aims to provide divers with better tools for exploration and documentation.

FalconViz

Series A in 2016
FalconViz specializes in digital transformation services, utilizing advanced technologies such as aerial drones and terrestrial scanning systems. The company offers comprehensive solutions for geospatial mapping, asset inspection, climate monitoring, and cultural heritage preservation. Founded in Saudi Arabia, FalconViz enables clients to enhance their digitization capabilities and make data-driven strategic decisions.

Nanosferix

Seed Round in 2016
Nanosferix, a spinoff from the KAUST Catalysis Center, specializes in the development of lightweight hollow-silica fillers designed for use in advanced composite materials. This innovative technology utilizes proprietary hollow sphere nanoparticles, which significantly reduce the weight loading of silica fillers in various commercial material systems. Nanosferix's products enhance the performance of composite materials, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including airframes, vehicle parts, body armor, and coatings. The company's focus on ultralight engineering solutions positions it to serve industries such as defense, aerospace, and sports, where high performance and strength are paramount.

Graphene Crystal

Pre Seed Round in 2016
Founded by Dr. Shashikant P. Patole, Prof. Pedro Costa, and Dr. Archana S. Patole in November 2016, Graphene Crystal is a spin-off of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. The company specializes in manufacturing customized graphene products, offering high-grade, defect-free materials with properties like high surface area and crystallinity.

Visual Experience

Seed Round in 2016
Visual Experience, founded in 2013 at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, specializes in providing comprehensive virtual reality services throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The company focuses on creating customized virtual experiences tailored for the tourism sector, showcasing cities like Makkah, Vienna, and Abu Dhabi. By delivering immersive virtual experiences, Visual Experience aims to inspire potential visitors to explore these destinations in person, ultimately helping clients attract tourists and enhance their revenue.

NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions

Series A in 2016
NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions specializes in innovative cleaning solutions for solar panels, particularly in desert environments. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, the company has developed the NOMADD, a no-water mechanical automated dusting device designed to effectively clean solar panels in challenging, dusty conditions. This advanced system allows for the maintenance of solar installations in arid climates without the use of water, thereby preventing damage to the panels while ensuring optimal performance. The NOMADD device was initially developed at the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, reflecting a strong foundation in research and innovation. Through its unique approach, NOMADD addresses the specific cleaning challenges posed by desert environments, making it a vital player in the solar energy sector.

FalconViz

Equity Crowdfunding in 2016
FalconViz specializes in digital transformation services, utilizing advanced technologies such as aerial drones and terrestrial scanning systems. The company offers comprehensive solutions for geospatial mapping, asset inspection, climate monitoring, and cultural heritage preservation. Founded in Saudi Arabia, FalconViz enables clients to enhance their digitization capabilities and make data-driven strategic decisions.

Sadeem Technology

Pre Seed Round in 2016
Sadeem Technology develops a wireless sensing system that monitors floods, traffic, weather, and air quality in urban environments. The company deploys solar-powered, plug-and-play sensor networks, mobile applications, and visualization tools to enable disaster management and real-time situational awareness. Its sensors are installed in city infrastructure and drainage systems, facilitating early flood detection, traffic monitoring, and environmental sensing through an integrated platform. Founded in 2016 and based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, Sadeem offers a multi-patented solution comprising a network of sensors, a mobile app, and visualization tools to deliver real-time flood signals and traffic data, helping to mitigate losses and reduce congestion during extreme weather events.

FalconViz

Venture Round in 2015
FalconViz specializes in digital transformation services, utilizing advanced technologies such as aerial drones and terrestrial scanning systems. The company offers comprehensive solutions for geospatial mapping, asset inspection, climate monitoring, and cultural heritage preservation. Founded in Saudi Arabia, FalconViz enables clients to enhance their digitization capabilities and make data-driven strategic decisions.

NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions

Venture Round in 2015
NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions specializes in innovative cleaning solutions for solar panels, particularly in desert environments. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, the company has developed the NOMADD, a no-water mechanical automated dusting device designed to effectively clean solar panels in challenging, dusty conditions. This advanced system allows for the maintenance of solar installations in arid climates without the use of water, thereby preventing damage to the panels while ensuring optimal performance. The NOMADD device was initially developed at the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, reflecting a strong foundation in research and innovation. Through its unique approach, NOMADD addresses the specific cleaning challenges posed by desert environments, making it a vital player in the solar energy sector.

Nanosferix

Seed Round in 2015
Nanosferix, a spinoff from the KAUST Catalysis Center, specializes in the development of lightweight hollow-silica fillers designed for use in advanced composite materials. This innovative technology utilizes proprietary hollow sphere nanoparticles, which significantly reduce the weight loading of silica fillers in various commercial material systems. Nanosferix's products enhance the performance of composite materials, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including airframes, vehicle parts, body armor, and coatings. The company's focus on ultralight engineering solutions positions it to serve industries such as defense, aerospace, and sports, where high performance and strength are paramount.

Nanosferix

Pre Seed Round in 2014
Nanosferix, a spinoff from the KAUST Catalysis Center, specializes in the development of lightweight hollow-silica fillers designed for use in advanced composite materials. This innovative technology utilizes proprietary hollow sphere nanoparticles, which significantly reduce the weight loading of silica fillers in various commercial material systems. Nanosferix's products enhance the performance of composite materials, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including airframes, vehicle parts, body armor, and coatings. The company's focus on ultralight engineering solutions positions it to serve industries such as defense, aerospace, and sports, where high performance and strength are paramount.

FalconViz

Seed Round in 2014
FalconViz specializes in digital transformation services, utilizing advanced technologies such as aerial drones and terrestrial scanning systems. The company offers comprehensive solutions for geospatial mapping, asset inspection, climate monitoring, and cultural heritage preservation. Founded in Saudi Arabia, FalconViz enables clients to enhance their digitization capabilities and make data-driven strategic decisions.

Visual Experience

Seed Round in 2013
Visual Experience, founded in 2013 at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, specializes in providing comprehensive virtual reality services throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The company focuses on creating customized virtual experiences tailored for the tourism sector, showcasing cities like Makkah, Vienna, and Abu Dhabi. By delivering immersive virtual experiences, Visual Experience aims to inspire potential visitors to explore these destinations in person, ultimately helping clients attract tourists and enhance their revenue.

Hachid

Seed Round in 2013
Hachid (founded in 2013) is a young high-tech spinoff of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Their key competence is reliable, robust and scalable crowd management. Their technology (patent pending) allows authorities and planners to count extremely dense crowds reliably and effortlessly. Their sensors can be used to monitor crowd flow through doors, and they can be deployed outdoors and in harsh climates.

iDive

Seed Round in 2013
iDive is a company that originated from the Red Sea Research Center at KAUST, focusing on enhancing data recording for scuba divers. The company has developed a waterproofing product that allows divers to utilize the full capabilities of touchscreen mobile devices underwater. This innovation enables users to record information, capture photos, and engage in underwater games, making the diving experience more interactive and enjoyable. By combining technology with the underwater environment, iDive aims to provide divers with better tools for exploration and documentation.

Visual Experience

Seed Round in 2013
Visual Experience, founded in 2013 at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, specializes in providing comprehensive virtual reality services throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The company focuses on creating customized virtual experiences tailored for the tourism sector, showcasing cities like Makkah, Vienna, and Abu Dhabi. By delivering immersive virtual experiences, Visual Experience aims to inspire potential visitors to explore these destinations in person, ultimately helping clients attract tourists and enhance their revenue.

NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions

Seed Round in 2012
NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions specializes in innovative cleaning solutions for solar panels, particularly in desert environments. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, the company has developed the NOMADD, a no-water mechanical automated dusting device designed to effectively clean solar panels in challenging, dusty conditions. This advanced system allows for the maintenance of solar installations in arid climates without the use of water, thereby preventing damage to the panels while ensuring optimal performance. The NOMADD device was initially developed at the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, reflecting a strong foundation in research and innovation. Through its unique approach, NOMADD addresses the specific cleaning challenges posed by desert environments, making it a vital player in the solar energy sector.

iDive

Seed Round in 2012
iDive is a company that originated from the Red Sea Research Center at KAUST, focusing on enhancing data recording for scuba divers. The company has developed a waterproofing product that allows divers to utilize the full capabilities of touchscreen mobile devices underwater. This innovation enables users to record information, capture photos, and engage in underwater games, making the diving experience more interactive and enjoyable. By combining technology with the underwater environment, iDive aims to provide divers with better tools for exploration and documentation.

Acadox

Seed Round in 2010
Acadox is a company based in Saudi Arabia that specializes in managing the academic-social life of students, faculty, and educational institutions worldwide. It offers a comprehensive education platform designed to enhance communication and engagement among learners. Acadox's tools include a community social hub, an interactive course manager, and an interactive portfolio manager, all built on advanced cloud technology to ensure security and efficiency. By focusing on optimizing the learning experience, Acadox aims to facilitate collaboration and interaction among students and educators, allowing them to achieve their learning goals effectively while reducing operational costs.
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