King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, hosted the “Commercial Innovation Opportunities in Jeddah” forum on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) and Wadi Jeddah Company. The event was held at the King Fahd Medical Research Center.

The forum aimed to highlight promising commercial opportunities across key sectors in Jeddah and to empower the innovation and entrepreneurship community to play an active role in the city’s development and growth.

Dr. Saud Wasly, Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at King Abdulaziz University, explained that the forum sought to open new avenues for collaboration, showcase opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in the city, and provide a supportive environment for the growth of new ideas and startups.

He emphasized that the initiative contributes to strengthening the knowledge economy and fostering effective partnerships that serve the local community.

Dr. Saud Wasly added that the forum also aimed to inspire innovators and entrepreneurs to take advantage of promising opportunities and available enablers, enabling them to make a tangible impact on the economy of Jeddah and its surrounding regions. He concluded by affirming the University’s belief that innovation and entrepreneurship can only thrive through cultivating an ambitious and dynamic innovation-driven community.

The event featured two panel discussions.

The first, titled “Commercial Innovation Opportunities from the Private Sector Perspective,” brought together a number of experts and specialists who discussed key and emerging sectors in Jeddah. The session focused on the qualitative value of these sectors, the opportunities they present, and the market gaps innovators and entrepreneurs can help address, ultimately contributing to the advancement of both the local and national economy.

The second panel, titled “Innovation Enablers and Available Support Opportunities,” introduced the tools and resources that encourage innovators and entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas and establish viable, innovation-based projects.

The forum concluded with an open dialogue session between participants and advisors.