Kuwait
In a significant move underscoring their steadfast commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the community, Zain and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) have officially inked a memorandum of understanding. This collaborative pact aims to advance capacity building, enhance the skills of local talents in the private sector, amplify research and development in innovation, bolster social enterprises, and embolden local entrepreneurs.
The momentous signing took place at the KFAS headquarters in Kuwait City and was attended by key figures including Eaman Al-Roudhan, CEO of Zain Kuwait, Dr Ameenah Farhan, Director General of KFAS, and top executives from both organizations. This partnership symbolizes the shared vision of Zain and KFAS to invigorate innovation and entrepreneurship in Kuwait. It serves as a testament to their enduring missions of nurturing national talents in science and technology and empowering local startups, which play a pivotal role in the nation’s economy.
The collaborative efforts between Zain and KFAS will amalgamate their expertise and resources to introduce various development programs and community initiatives. These programs are crafted to equip national talents with the skills required to thrive in a highly competitive market. Specifically tailored to meet the needs of the Kuwaiti private sector, these initiatives will encompass topics such as leadership, digital competencies, management, sustainable strategies, and business skills.
Moreover, the partnership will focus on capacity building in innovation and technology, targeting diverse age groups with a special emphasis on youth. These programs will feature distinctive training sessions and interactive workshops designed to impart technical and digital skills. This approach aims to nurture the creativity of young individuals, support their talents, and encourage their passions.
Central to this agreement is the commitment to enriching research and development in innovation, with a focus on promoting sustainable corporate practices and revolutionizing traditional workflows. By anchoring innovation as a core driver for corporate strategies, organizations can contribute significantly towards the nation’s developmental goals.
A key aspect of this collaboration is the support extended to entrepreneurs and local startups. KFAS will provide certified trainers and experts to facilitate specialized sessions and workshops for entrepreneurs participating in Zain’s acclaimed tech startup accelerator program, Zain Great Idea. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Zain’s Innovation Nation initiative, which encompasses all of Zain’s innovation and entrepreneurship programs, particularly within STEM areas (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
This recent MoU follows a previous strategic partnership between Zain and the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity (SACGC), a KFAS center. This earlier agreement focused on enhancing digital literacy among the youth, fostering creativity and innovation, and elevating the local startup ecosystem. This partnership yielded numerous successful programs and initiatives, including a summer boot camp that provided over 800 children and young people with fundamental courses on electronics, robotics, programming, and artificial intelligence.
The collaboration between Zain and KFAS aims to elevate digital literacy, develop digital competencies, support the local startup ecosystem, and empower Kuwaiti innovators to excel, aligning closely with the nation’s developmental, economic, and social aspirations.
For over 46 years, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences has been dedicated to leveraging science, technology, and innovation to modernize and improve the quality of life for the Kuwaiti people, striving for a sustainable future. KFAS continues to fulfill its mission through various centers, including the Scientific Center, Dasman Diabetes Center, and SACGC. Zain has established successful partnerships with these centers, contributing significantly to their shared objectives.