From research to impact. See how emerging ideas and advanced prototypes move into startups, commercialization and market entry.
URD 2026 will showcase the best of KFUPM research outcomes, featuring mature and diverse prototypes and solutions with strong translation potential across more than 20 disciplines. The event highlights the transition of research into real-world use cases and brings together researchers, industry leaders, startups, investors, and national RDI stakeholders to explore high-impact research, emerging technologies, and opportunities for collaboration.
The event features 30 higher-maturity project showcases with strong translation potential, 14 university-born startups, 30 emerging project poster presentations, 18 compelling project pitches, 4 keynote sessions, and many networking opportunities.
Showcase the real-world impact and commercial viability of KFUPM's diverse research portfolio, including projects at medium to high Technology Readiness Levels.
Enable dialogue between researchers and industry, government, investors, customers, regulators and national RDI stakeholders.
Demonstrate the progression from research project to working prototype, startup, spinout and scalable solution.
Bring together research centers, colleges, students, external partners and sectors around shared challenges and opportunities.
Showcase undergraduate research pathways, student conferences and peer-to-peer research engagement.
Motivate faculty, researchers, students and founders through keynote talks and case studies that follow the path from idea to prototype, commercialization and eventual exit.
Four keynote perspectives on turning research into products, ventures and national impact, plus the instructor leading both commercialization workshops.
As Vice President for Research and Innovation, Dr. Al-Shaikhi leads KFUPM’s research strategy, its research centers and institutes, and the University’s work to translate research outcomes into deployed technologies and new ventures. His opening address will set out the scale and direction of the University’s research sector, the capabilities behind the work on display across the two days, and how KFUPM is positioning its research portfolio to serve national RDI priorities.
Dr. Julien-Alexandre Lamamy leads ispace-EUROPE, the Luxembourg-based European arm of the global lunar exploration company ispace. He is closely associated with European lunar mobility, rover development, space-resource initiatives and international collaboration. His perspective connects advanced university R&D with the expanding commercial space economy and provides a compelling example of how research, engineering, government programs and industry can combine to build new markets.
Mr. Abusharifah leads Dhahran Techno Valley, a major innovation ecosystem connecting university research, industry, entrepreneurship and investment. His work centers on accelerating the journey from research to market through partnerships, venture-building programs, acceleration, industry engagement and co-investment pathways. His keynote explains how KFUPM researchers and ventures can access commercialization support and move from promising technology toward validated opportunity and scalable enterprise.
Mr. Abdulwahab is a recognized innovation and entrepreneurship leader and the CEO of Next Arabia, an advisory firm that develops, launches and operates innovation ventures and startup programs. He has extensive experience helping researchers and founders clarify customer needs, refine value propositions, shape business models, validate market opportunities and communicate compelling product stories. His previous extended coaching of KFUPM deep-tech teams gives him direct insight into the mindset and commercialization challenges of the University’s researchers.
08-09-2026 08:30
Welcome remarks; VPRI research-sector highlights; general KFUPM research movie.
Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi08-09-2026 09:00
National RDI Priorities and Opportunities for University Research Translation
08-09-2026 10:00
Nine selected mid-TRL projects; pitch-stage format; approximately 10 minutes per project including transition and Q&A.
08-09-2026 12:00
VIP and invited group lunch; open engagement with KFUPM project scientists, and startup founders.
08-09-2026 13:30
From University to the Moon — Commercial Space and R&D.
Dr. Julien-Alexandre Lamamy08-09-2026 15:00
Finding the First Market Path — customer need, value proposition, early business model, validation and MVP pathway. (Only for selected attendees)
Mr. Ahmed Abdulwahab09-09-2026 08:30
Nine selected higher-maturity projects; focused on validation, pilot pathways, deployment potential and commercialization
09-09-2026 10:00
R&D Commercialization at KFUPM: Programs, Venture Building and Incubation.
Eng. Mohammed Abusharifah09-09-2026 12:00
VIP and invited groups lunch; open engagement with KFUPM project scientists, and startup founders.
09-09-2026 15:00
Customer, Pilot and Pitch Story · instructor: Mr. Ahmed Abdulwahab · selected attendees only
Interested in sponsoring URD 2026? Contact the organizing committee.
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Member roles are placeholders. Confirm each person's function before publishing.
URD 2026 takes place at Novotel Dhahran in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, across two full days. The venue hosts the keynote stage, the project exhibition, the startup showcase and the workshop rooms.
Parking and prayer facilities are available on site. Confirm before publishing
KFUPM's flagship two-day event showcasing research, prototypes, startups, commercialization pathways, keynote perspectives, awards, grants and collaboration opportunities.
KFUPM faculty, researchers, students and leadership, as well as registered guests from industry, government, investment, universities, the startup ecosystem, media and the public.
8 and 9 September 2026 at Novotel Dhahran in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Yes. General registration is open now through the Register button at the top of this page. Workshops, invited guests and media are handled separately.
Workshop places are limited and require separate registration or invitation.
Selected research prototypes and demonstrations, digital posters, university startups, student research activities and stakeholder booths.
Industry representatives can attend, explore project and startup booths, join matchmaking, discuss pilot opportunities and connect with KFUPM research teams.
The program is subject to final confirmation. The website will carry the latest approved version.
URD 2026 is held at Novotel Dhahran, with on-site parking for attendees. Directions and a map are in the Venue section above.
For questions about the agenda, exhibition or participation, write to the organizing committee. For technical problems with registration or this website, write to customersupport@vfairs.com.
Registration is open for KFUPM faculty, researchers and students, and for guests from industry, government, investment, universities, the startup ecosystem and media. Workshop places are limited and handled separately.