RIYADH — The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has announced the design and manufacturing of 25 advanced electronic chips by Saudi engineers and researchers, in a major leap for Saudi Arabia's semiconductor ambitions. Developed at KACST's Cleanroom Lab, the chips mark a strategic milestone in building a sustainable and self-reliant national ecosystem for emerging technologies. The chips, produced under the Semiconductor Specialization Program (SSP), are designed for diverse applications in sensors, integrated circuits, photonics, and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). These components play a vital role in driving research and development across frontier technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT) and electric vehicles. According to KACST, the initiative is equipping national talent with hands-on experience in semiconductor design, empowering researchers and university students to innovate in next-generation technologies, and enabling local chip production for Saudi Arabia's growing automotive and electronics industries. The project also aligns closely with the goals of the National Industrial Strategy, aiming to reduce dependency on imported technologies and position the Kingdom as a regional hub for high-tech innovation. By advancing local semiconductor capabilities, Saudi Arabia is paving the way for a resilient, homegrown chip ecosystem that supports long-term national sustainability goals.
