SWA Participates in the First Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference at King Abdulaziz University

The Saudi Water Authority (SWA), represented by The Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancements (WTIIRA), participated in the First Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference organized by King Abdulaziz University, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the innovation ecosystem and advancing technological solutions in the water sector.

The participation comes as part of SWA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with academic institutions and empower innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into pioneering ventures aligned with the Kingdom’s development goals and Vision 2030.

As part of the conference, SWA hosted two specialized workshops. The first, titled “Opportunities and Challenges in the Water Sector”, was presented by Eng. Fouad Kmeit, who discussed the transformation of the national water system and the prospects for empowerment and innovation in this vital sector. The second, “Start Your Research Journey from the Water Oasis”, was led by Dr. Fahad Al-Harthi, who highlighted the role of applied research in developing sustainable solutions and fostering partnerships between research centers and academic institutions.

During the conference’s exhibition, SWA showcased its incubation programs, business accelerators, and support initiatives for startups in key areas such as desalination, treatment, reuse, and smart irrigation. It also presented its flagship innovation initiatives, including the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW), Miyathon, and the Global Water Innovation Platform, which connects innovators, researchers, and investors from around the world.

SWA emphasized, during the conference, that innovation and entrepreneurship are fundamental pillars for advancing the water sector, promoting local content, and creating meaningful opportunities for national talent. It noted that WTIIRA has so far supported over 60 startups and received more than 645 innovative ideas across various water-related fields.