Providing tools of growth for small businesses
Since 2020 , KAUST supports Small and Medium Enterprises ( SME ) through its
SME Innovation Services in areas related to research and development , innovation , economic development , and continuous professional development . As more than one million small businesses currently contribute to Saudi Arabia ’ s economic growth , SMEs are granted access to KAUST ’ s capabilities and services , including its state-of-the-art facilities , talent pool , research and scientific expertise , specialized training courses , intellectual property research & funding opportunities .
Currently , KAUST runs two main programs : the
SME Knowledge Partnership Program , which supports SMEs by providing solutions to problems and challenges they face , especially focusing on innovation and R & D ; and the
SME Maharat Program , which focuses on providing diverse professional development workshops provided by KAUST scholars and researchers .
1.3 ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH
Sharing is caring
Organized annually by KAUST ’ s Social Responsibility team , the
Sharing is Caring Campaigns represent one of the many ways in which KAUST gives back to neighboring communities , and at the same time , brings together the KAUST community to share the joys of Ramadan and Eids . The campaigns collect funding contributions and provide food hampers , educational gifts , and messages of celebration during these culturally significant times of the year , in partnership with charitable associations in the Jeddah region .
During the 6th edition of the campaign in 2021 , a record of 2000 gift boxes were distributed , 312 volunteers got involved and 130 greeting cards were collected from the KAUST community specifically for the people of KAUST ’ s neighboring village , Thuwal .
Sharing is Caring campaign team
Volunteering for what matters
KAUST provides volunteering opportunities for all through Campus events and initiatives organized by various departments as well as activities that support the neighboring communities of Thuwal and Qadimah . Starting in 2021 , KAUST has been developing
the KAUST Volunteer Program , a centralized database for volunteers , with the aim of having all volunteering opportunities accessible and organized for the community .
One successful example of a volunteer-led social initiative was
KAUST ’ s Thrift Shop - Second Chance . Operating since 2021 , the shop is entirely run by a group of volunteers , providing a meaningful way for people to contribute to the community and those in need . The shop re-sells donated items from community members ( having discounted prices for low-wage workers ) and channels the profits to support local volunteer community programs and charities .
Maharat Program
6760
Applications
1933
SMEs staff participated in those workshops
55 workshops distributed on the above series
1455
( SME ’ s ) Small and Medium Enterprises
Volunteers at the Sharing is Caring campaign Second Chance thrift shop at KAUST
7 | KAUST SDG HIGHLIGHT REPORT