Saudi Pavilion Opens at the 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions
Dr. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Sudairy, Deputy Minister of Education for Universities, Research, and Innovation, inaugurated the Saudi inventions pavilion participating in the 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.
This prestigious event, taking place from April 17th to April 21st, 2024, sees the participation of 26 Saudi universities, encompassing government, private, and independent institutions.
The exhibition showcases inventions from 19 government universities, 2 independent universities, and 5 private universities, contributing a total of 113 inventions. The Saudi pavilion boasts 128 exhibitors from various scientific, theoretical, medical, and biotechnical fields.
This participation reflects the kingdom's commitment under God's protection and directives to support and nurture talent as part of the human capacity development program, aiming to achieve sustainable development and build a knowledge-based economy in line with Vision 2030. This endeavor underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to fostering talent and enhancing its international stature. The kingdom has launched several initiatives to support inventors and spread the culture of invention and innovation, notably the establishment of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and the creation of incubators and accelerators for inventors and innovators, alongside launching funding and support programs for inventions and innovations.
Saudi Arabia has made remarkable progress in the number of patents registered both locally and internationally. The kingdom advanced in the Global Innovation Index (GII) from 66th position in 2020 to 48th in 2023. Moreover, in 2023, four Saudi universities ranked among the top 100 global universities awarded US patents, according to the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals secured the 4th position with 216 registered patents, while King Faisal University took the 23rd position with 107 patents. Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University and King Abdulaziz University ranked 26th and 85th with 101 and 40 patents, respectively.
The 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions aims to highlight innovations contributing to sustainable development goals, encourage international cooperation in the field of inventions and innovations, support innovations addressing current challenges, bolster the global economy, and promote the culture of invention and innovation.