Cisco Systems and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) opened a new AI Institute on the KAUST campus in Riyadh. The institute brings together Cisco’s AI‑POD infrastructure, a modular, pre‑validated AI platform, with KAUST’s research expertise to create a dedicated hub for AI research, development, and education.
The institute will focus on AI‑native communication systems, advanced edge infrastructure for Industry 5.0, autonomous mobility, and AI‑driven public‑sector use cases in water, energy, food, and health. The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to position the kingdom as a global AI hub and diversify its economy.
Cisco’s AI‑POD technology will provide the institute with scalable, secure AI infrastructure that can run large‑scale workloads on premises. The collaboration also builds on Cisco’s broader AI strategy, which includes AI for Wireless, AI‑native wireless stacks, and partnerships with NVIDIA to deliver AI‑ready data center switches.
Cisco will also provide free digital upskilling to 500,000 Saudi learners over five years through its Networking Academy, supporting the development of a local AI talent pipeline.
The institute was launched under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy and Chairman of the KAUST Board of Trustees, underscoring the national importance of the initiative.
Cisco’s Q2 2025 revenue growth reflects continued demand for AI infrastructure and networking solutions, reinforcing the company’s focus on AI, cloud, and cybersecurity.
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