Future of Semiconductors Forum 2025

Connecting leaders for semiconductor localization to advance the digital economy, industry, and energy sectors of Saudi Arabia.

May 4-5, 2025

KAUST

Building 20, Auditorium

Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

This event is sponsored by:

Office of Research Funding and Services 

OVERVIEW

Semiconductors form the backbone of transformative industries, including AI, IoT, and renewable energy, which are integral to Saudi Arabia’s strategy for fostering innovation, achieving sustainability goals, and driving economic progress.

Hosted by KAUST on May 4–5, 2025, in collaboration with KACST and NEOM, The Future of Semiconductors Forum serves as a platform to drive innovation and collaboration in semiconductor technologies. The Forum brings together global and Middle Eastern leaders, researchers, policymakers and industry experts to advance the field, foster innovation, build strategic partnerships and strengthen domestic semiconductor capabilities.



Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Forum aims to accelerate technological advancements, diversify the economy and support local talent development. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with industry pioneers, foster new collaborations, and contribute to the growth of a thriving semiconductor ecosystem in the Kingdom.


OBJECTIVES

Semiconductor technology is the physical foundation of the third and fourth Industrial Revolutions. It is crucial for numerous applications, including energy, computing, data storage, sensors, communication, lighting, and photovoltaics. Given the global strategic importance of semiconductor technologies and emerging opportunities for transformative impacts in the Middle East, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and  King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and NEOM University will jointly organize the 4th Future of Semiconductors Forum. The primary focus of this Forum is to discuss the localization of e-chips and strengthen the digital economy sector of Saudi Arabia.


FORUM TOPICS

1- Semiconductor Value Chain in Saudi Arabia:

This session will bring together senior leadership from key semiconductor industry players and governmental R&D entities, including ALAT, RDIA, and the National Semiconductor Hub. Speakers will provide exclusive updates on recent advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, the evolving value chain, and Saudi Arabia’s strategic initiatives to position itself as a global semiconductor hub. The discussion will highlight investment opportunities, technological innovations, and collaborations driving the kingdom’s semiconductor ecosystem forward.

2- The Semiconductor Revolution:

Behind the Scenes of Success: This session will feature senior leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping the success of semiconductor manufacturing, including key figures behind the U.S. CHIPS Act and the European Chips Act. These industry veterans will share firsthand insights into the challenges, breakthroughs, and strategic decisions that have driven the global semiconductor revolution. Attendees will gain a unique learning opportunity from their experiences, exploring best practices, policy impacts, and the lessons that continue to shape the future of semiconductor innovation and supply chain resilience.


3- The Rise of AI Accelerators:

As AI-driven applications continue to push the boundaries of performance and efficiency, specialized AI accelerators have become a cornerstone of modern computing. This session will feature CEOs of leading semiconductor companies alongside top academic experts, offering insights into the latest advancements in AI hardware. Speakers will discuss innovations in chip architectures, the evolving AI semiconductor landscape, and the future of AI-driven computing. 


4- Miniaturized and Energy-Efficient System-on-Chip:

As the demand for compact, high-performance, and energy-efficient computing continues to grow, System-on-Chip (SoC) technology is revolutionizing semiconductor design. This session will bring together CEOs of leading semiconductor companies and distinguished academics to explore breakthroughs in miniaturization, low-power architectures, and advanced integration techniques. Discussions will highlight the latest innovations in SoC design, their impact on IoT and edge computing, and the challenges of balancing performance with power efficiency.

5- Edge Intelligence with Neuromorphic Chips and In-Sensor Computing:

The future of edge AI lies in energy-efficient, brain-inspired computing and real-time data processing at the source. This session will feature top executives from leading semiconductor companies and pioneering academics discussing the latest advancements in neuromorphic chips and in-sensor computing. Speakers will explore how these cutting-edge technologies enable ultra-low-power, adaptive intelligence for applications in robotics, healthcare, autonomous systems, and beyond. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities in bringing human-like perception and decision-making to the edge.

6- Quantum Leap Forward:

 Quantum computing is set to redefine the limits of computation, unlocking unprecedented capabilities in cryptography, optimization, and artificial intelligence. This session will bring together senior leadership of leading quantum technology companies and top academic researchers to discuss the latest breakthroughs in quantum hardware, algorithms, and scalability challenges.  In addition, the session will highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in quantum computing, exploring national initiatives, research efforts, and investment strategies aimed at positioning the Kingdom as a key player in this transformative field. 

7- Smart Healthcare:

Semiconductor innovations are transforming healthcare, enabling smarter diagnostics, personalized treatments, and real-time biosignal monitoring. This session will bring together industry leaders and top researchers to discuss how advanced chips, AI-driven medical devices, and bio-integrated sensors are revolutionizing patient care. Speakers will explore breakthroughs in semiconductor-based wearables, implantable devices, and lab-on-a-chip technologies, highlighting their impact on remote healthcare, early disease detection, and digital health solutions. 

8- The Future of Photonics with Microcavities:

Microcavities are revolutionizing photonics, enabling ultra-compact, high-efficiency optical systems for applications ranging from quantum computing to high-speed communications. This NEOM University led session will feature leading industry experts and renowned academics discussing the latest advancements in microcavity-based photonic devices, their role in next-generation semiconductor technologies, and their potential to reshape computing, sensing, and telecommunications. 

9- Green Semiconductors for Sustainable Electronics:

As the world moves toward more sustainable technologies, the semiconductor industry is at the forefront of developing energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions. This session will bring together top researchers to discuss advancements in green semiconductor materials, low-power chip architectures, and environmentally responsible manufacturing processes. Speakers will explore how innovations in semiconductor design can reduce energy consumption, minimize electronic waste, and support global sustainability goals.

10- Careers in Semiconductors in the Kingdom:

This panel discussion will explore the diverse and growing career opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s semiconductor sector. Panelists from industry, academia, and government will share their insights on the evolving landscape of semiconductor careers in the Kingdom, discussing the skills and expertise needed, emerging job roles, and the strategic initiatives driving workforce development in this critical field.

SPEAKERS

The Forum will feature renowned speakers, including government ministers and senior leaders from international semiconductor companies. Key discussions will address the localization of semiconductor manufacturing, the development of a robust digital economy and innovations that can transform industries such as energy and healthcare.

Stay tuned for updates on registration, agenda details, and speaker announcements.

  • Honorary Chairs 
  • Committee Members
  • Co-Organizers
  • Advisory Board
  • Invited Speakers
Honorary Chairs 

H.E Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki

President, KACST

Sir Edward Byrne AC

President, KAUST


Committee Members

Prof. Nazek El-Atab

Committee Chair

King Abdullah University of Science & Technology


Prof. Gianluca Setti

Committee Member

King Abdullah University of Science & Technology

Prof. Atif Shamim

Committee Member

King Abdullah University of Science & Technology

Prof.  Suhaib Fahmy

Committee Member

King Abdullah University of Science & Technology

Prof.  Xiaohang Li

Committee Member

King Abdullah University of Science & Technology

Dr. Thamer Tabbakh

Committee Member

 King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology 

Dr. Dhaifullah Almutaisi

Committee Member

 King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology 

Co-Organizers

Prof. Donal Bradley

President, NEOM Education, Research & Innovation Foundation and Vice-President for Research and Innovation, NEOM University

Prof. Tristan Farrow

Associate Vice-President for Research and Innovation, NEOM Education, Research, and Innovation sector

Advisory Board

Prof. Kang Wang

Distinguished Professor and Raytheon Chair in Electrical Engineering, UCLA

Dr. Abu Sebastian

Distinguished Scientist & Manager, IBM, Zurich

Prof. Aaron Franklin

Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Addy Professor of ECE, Duke University 

Dr. Raj Jammy

President of imec, USA

Invited Speakers

Prof. Kang Wang

Distinguished Professor and Raytheon Chair in Electrical Engineering, UCLA


Dr. Abu Sebastian

Distinguished Scientist & Manager, IBM, Zurich

Prof. Aaron Franklin

Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Addy Professor of ECE, Duke University 


Dr. Raj Jammy

President of imec, USA


Dr. Naveed Sherwani

Chairman of the

National Semiconductor Hub, Chairman and CEO of Rapid Silicon

Dr. Basma AlBuhairan

Managing Director,

Center for the fourth industrial revolution

Prof. K.L. Pey

,Senior Vice

Provost, NEOM University

Dr. Bhavin Shah

Senior Vice President

of Engineering & Products, Rapid Silicon

Dr. Hesham Haddara

CEO of Si-Ware

Prof. Alexander

Tartakovskii

Professor of

Mathematical and Physical Sciences University of Sheffield

Prof. Jason Smith

Professor of Photonic

Materials and Devices, University of Oxford

AGENDA

Coming soon.

KAUST Centers of Excellence

KAUST Launches Four Pioneering Centers of Excellence to Address Key National and International Priorities

Generative AI

Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies

Smart Health

Sustainable Food Security

KAUST IMPACT

KAUST Impact Summer 2024, the latest edition

of the magazine.

KAUST IMPACT


A NEW ERA FOR KAUST

Our unrelenting commitment to research, innovation and talent has seen KAUST establish itself as one of the leading research universities in the world, ranking #1 for citations per faculty globally, with a reputation for impact-driven research that contributes to the betterment of the world. This new era of KAUST builds on our many successes, achievements and strong foundations, and our new strategy represents an evolution that brings us closer to the interests of the Kingdom.


CONTACT US

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Thuwal 23955-6900

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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H.E Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki

Is currently the President of KACST. His 22+ years of experience spans the spheres of R&D, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, where he played influential roles at different levels as seasoned researcher, inventor and leader setting national strategies, policies, and regulations, as well as investing research, development, and innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ICT ecosystem.

His Excellency Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud Eldesouki has held many leadership and ministerial positions in the Kingdom, including Assistant Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

He is also the Chairman of the BoT of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Award to honour inventors and talented individuals, Chairman of the BoT of Almarai Award for Scientific Innovation, Chairman of the BoD for the Saudi-WEF Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and member of a number of boards including the BoT of Hevolution, the Governing Board for Global Research Council (GRC) as Vice-Chair, Ilmi Science Discovery & Innovation Centre as Vice-Chair, the Saudi Space Agency, the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, the Premium Residency Centre, the General Organization for Military Industries, the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, the Riyadh Charitable Science Foundation, and the King Salman Science Oasis.

In recognition of his scientific excellence, he received several awards such as the King Abdul-Aziz Order of Merit Excellence Medal of the First Class and the King’s Prize for Inventors, and was elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in the USA.

Sir Edward Byrne AC

Sir Edward Byrne AC is the fourth President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). He joined KAUST as its president on Sept. 1, 2024, after serving as President and Principal of King’s College London from August 2014 to January 2021. Previously, he was President and Vice Chancellor of Monash University in Australia.

With a broad academic and industry background, Byrne is well-equipped to advance KAUST’s strategy in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 goals, strengthening the university’s research leadership and driving economic development. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2020 for services to higher education, he brings significant experience and expertise to lead KAUST into a new era of growth and impact.  

Byrne’s distinguished career as a researcher and clinician began in 1978 in Adelaide, South Australia, when he was a neurology registrar. After undertaking a clinical neurology research fellowship in London in 1979, he returned to Australia in 1983 as Director of Neurology at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne. Ten years later, he became the Founding Director of the Melbourne Neuromuscular Research Unit and the Centre for Neuroscience.  

Recognized for his contributions to mitochondrial disease research, Byrne was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2006. He served as Dean of Monash University, then as Vice Provost of University College London, before returning to Monash as Vice Chancellor in 2009. There, he restructured the university to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and global research output, leading to the establishment of the Monash campus in Suzhou, China.  

In 2014, Byrne served as a guest professor at Peking University Health Science Center, becoming an honorary citizen of Jiangsu Province. That same year, he was recognized as a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to tertiary education. He was also appointed President and Principal of King’s College London. 

From 2019 to 2021, he was Chair of Council for the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). Byrne served as Global Chief Medical Advisor for the Ramsay Health Care Group from 2021 to 2024. 

Growing up in northeastern England, Byrne moved to Australia at age 15. He studied medicine at the University of Tasmania, graduating with a Bachelor of Medical Science in 1971, a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, with the highest honors, in 1974, and a Doctor of Medicine in 1982.  

Byrne holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Queensland, a Clinical Science Diploma from the University of Adelaide, and a Doctor of Science from the University of Melbourne. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Royal Colleges of Physicians of London and Edinburgh, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American Association of Neurology.  

He has received numerous honorary degrees and accolades, including the Queens Square Prize for Neurological Research from the UCL Institute of Neurology. From 2021 to 2024, Byrne served as Distinguished Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at the Australian National University (ANU). He is Emeritus Professor of Neurology, King’s College London, and Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Monash University. 

In addition to his academic and medical research roles, Byrne has held board positions at multiple commercial biomedical companies, including Cochlear and BUPA. He currently serves as the global chief medical officer of Ramsay Health Care Group and is a member of the Patrons Council for the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria.