The first day of the 1st  Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference, held under the theme “Idea, Invention, Impact” and hosted by King Abdulaziz University at the King Faisal Conference Center, featured a series of thought-provoking panel discussions focused on transforming innovation into real-world impact and supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem within Saudi universities.

Discussions explored mechanisms for moving innovations from lab to market, converting patents into commercially viable products, linking academic research with productive sectors, and strengthening the national framework for research and development.

A session titled “Venture Capital and Its Role in Enabling Innovation” emphasized the importance of venture funding in supporting startups and accelerating technological advancement. Another session, “The Role of Universities in Supporting Innovation Ecosystems,” addressed how to create supportive environments for innovation through academic-private sector collaboration.

In the session “Entrepreneurs and Startups in the Knowledge Economy,” participants shared successful national startup stories and highlighted how entrepreneurship contributes to economic diversification.

The day concluded with a session on “Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” which explored the role of innovation in ensuring the long-term success of entrepreneurial ventures and in strengthening collaboration between universities and both public and private sectors.

The conference continues with scientific sessions, workshops, and an innovation exhibition, featuring more than 80 speakers and 25 research contributions, part of King Abdulaziz University’s commitment to advancing the role of higher education in national innovation efforts.