Saudi Scientist Wins Global Innovation Award for Clean Energy Research
Dr. Majed Alawad recognized for advancements in climate technology and materials research, receiving the Distinguished Innovator Award.
Riyadh: A Saudi researcher at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has been honored with a prestigious international award for his contributions to clean energy solutions.
Dr. Majed Alawad, director of the Joint Center of Excellence for Nanomaterials for Clean Energy Applications at KACST, was presented with the Distinguished Innovator Award by the Global Innovation Institute.
The award acknowledges groundbreaking innovations with significant societal benefits.
This year, out of 1,476 applicants from 26 countries, only 100 winners were selected across 10 categories, with 30 recipients in the Distinguished Innovator category.
Alawad's recognition is based on his work in climate technology and advanced materials research, including the establishment of PureSky, a company focused on atmospheric water harvesting technologies intended to support agriculture and afforestation efforts in arid regions.
Additionally, Dr. Alawad contributed to the launch of the GenAI for Materials Discovery Hackathon, which aims to enhance collaboration between artificial intelligence technology and materials science under the guidance of Prof. Omar Yaghi, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry from 2025.
The prize is granted to researchers whose innovations have progressed from concept to practical application over the past two years, demonstrating substantial societal impact.
Receiving the award, Dr. Alawad emphasized its potential to encourage further research and development of innovative energy solutions.
This achievement highlights KACST's commitment to supporting scientific innovation and fostering global partnerships in research and technology.
It also underscores Saudi Arabia's efforts to bolster its position in the global science and technology sectors as part of broader initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
KACST has been enhancing its support for researchers and emerging technologies aligned with sustainability goals, reflecting the Kingdom's strategic objectives in expanding its influence in international scientific communities.
Dr. Majed Alawad, director of the Joint Center of Excellence for Nanomaterials for Clean Energy Applications at KACST, was presented with the Distinguished Innovator Award by the Global Innovation Institute.
The award acknowledges groundbreaking innovations with significant societal benefits.
This year, out of 1,476 applicants from 26 countries, only 100 winners were selected across 10 categories, with 30 recipients in the Distinguished Innovator category.
Alawad's recognition is based on his work in climate technology and advanced materials research, including the establishment of PureSky, a company focused on atmospheric water harvesting technologies intended to support agriculture and afforestation efforts in arid regions.
Additionally, Dr. Alawad contributed to the launch of the GenAI for Materials Discovery Hackathon, which aims to enhance collaboration between artificial intelligence technology and materials science under the guidance of Prof. Omar Yaghi, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry from 2025.
The prize is granted to researchers whose innovations have progressed from concept to practical application over the past two years, demonstrating substantial societal impact.
Receiving the award, Dr. Alawad emphasized its potential to encourage further research and development of innovative energy solutions.
This achievement highlights KACST's commitment to supporting scientific innovation and fostering global partnerships in research and technology.
It also underscores Saudi Arabia's efforts to bolster its position in the global science and technology sectors as part of broader initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
KACST has been enhancing its support for researchers and emerging technologies aligned with sustainability goals, reflecting the Kingdom's strategic objectives in expanding its influence in international scientific communities.
