Session 7: Perspectives from Government and Industry — Startups

Speakers

Session Moderator

Dr. Paul Dalby, Director and Principal Consultant, In Fusion Consulting.

Panelists

Dr. Maged Saad, CEO and Co-Founder, GrowBioM & Senior Research Scientist with Prof. Heribert Hirt at the Center for Desert Agriculture, KAUST

Dr. Ryan Lefers, CEO and Co-Founder, Red Sea Farms

Dr. Mitchell Morton, CEO and Co-Founder, Edama Organic Solutions

Dr. Michael Salvador, CEO and Co-Founder, Mirai Solar & Technology Lead, KAUST Solar Center

Key messages

1. The startup scene in the KSA food sector is vibrant but requires more support from regulators and partners in both government and industry to scale up innovation.

2. Operation and maintenance of systems is challenging in the KSA because of lack of access to spare parts and skilled technicians.

3. New technologies for food producers and new products for food consumers will be ineffective without attitude shifts in the KSA population around concepts like sustainability and resource conservation.

Recommendations

1. Lower barriers to startup companies in the KSA partnering with manufacturers outside of KSA.

2. Expedite shipping and handling processes for foreign goods.

3. Incentivize start-up companies to hire KSA nationals in entry-level technical positions by providing financial support for training programs.