Innovation to Impact is a one-day roundtable event that was hosted by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEA) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), on May 19, 2017. The event in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia on the campus of KAUST, brought together academic institutions and private industry thought leaders from the United States and Saudi Arabia to discuss innovative academic and strategic commercial opportunities for both countries, in addition to new methods of collaboration and a deepened commitment to partnership.
Landing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The city is chaotic, but divided by major avenues.Religious pilgrims arriving in Jeddah, on their way to MeccaA billboard in downtown Jeddah announcing the meeting of King Salman and President Trump.KAUST is a beautiful and architectually striking campus.KAUST is a beautiful and architectually striking campus.KAUST is a beautiful and architectually striking campus.The Beacon at KAUSTInside the beacon at KAUST.People from all over the globe arriving at King Abdullaziz University of Science and Technology.Discussing innovation, entrepreneurship, funding, and mentorship between US and Saudi startups at Innovation to Impact at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. I spoke to the group about the importance of building community, engaging with involved mentors, and “big idea” thinking.Extravagant food was the norm at the conference.The floating mosque in Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaExploring the Old City of Jedda, Saudi ArabiaExploring the Old City of Jedda, Saudi ArabiaExploring the Old City of Jedda, Saudi ArabiaExploring the Old City of Jedda, Saudi ArabiaDates while exploring the Old City of Jedda, Saudi ArabiaExploring the Old City of Jedda, Saudi ArabiaExploring the Old City of Jedda, Saudi ArabiaA textile vendor in the old city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
