​[Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia], [04/12/2024] – The Joint European Disruptive Initiative (JEDI) and the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) have unveiled plans for potential collaboration on advanced research and technology.

 

This announcement comes during President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day State visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and underscores the intent of both organizations to identify and launch advanced research and technology projects that address critical global challenges.

 

As part of their discussions, JEDI and RDIA have agreed to identify future collaborative projects and aim to finalize a strategic partnership in the coming months, with first initiatives potentially unveiled at the AI Action Summit in Paris. This cooperation could include joint ‘moonshot’ research programs and joint technology foresight – as well as leveraging the potential of the best teams from research and academia, from industry and from young innovative deeptech companies, in areas ranging from energy, environment, biotechnologies to AI and space.

 

Dr. Mohammed Alotaibi, Acting Head of RDIA, stated: “Activating this collaboration reflects our joint commitment with JEDI to exploring radical new approaches to innovation that align with our national research and innovation priorities for impactful science and technological advancement, and progress for our country and our society.”

 

André Loesekrug-Pietri, Chairman & Scientific Director of JEDI, underlined: “We are excited to share our moonshot R&D expertise with RDIA, recognizing the immense potential of combining our strengths to push the frontiers of science and technology, and solve some of society’s greatest challenges.”

 

This cooperation marks a promising step toward fostering international collaboration in advanced research and technology, setting the stage for transformative advancements in the field.