Aramco and IBM create a Saudi Arabian Innovation Hub to solve circular economy sector problems

The Innovation Hub's goal is to support high-tech driven economic growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by making use of emerging technologies in hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum computing to achieve goals in areas such as the circular economy, materials science, supply chain, sustainability, security, and digitisation.

Aramco Senior Vice President of Technical Services, Ahmad Al Sa’adi, said: “The strategic collaboration of Aramco’s leadership with IBM’s enhanced technologies, R&D, and deep expertise, aspires to achieve potential breakthroughs in the energy sector that will have industry-wide impact. Through this collaboration, we are seeking to leverage the next frontiers in computing to drive economic growth and enable decarbonization through digital technologies.”

 Aramco is one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals company, supporting the sustainable and diversified expansion of the Kingdom’s economy, and contributing towards a globally competitive and vibrant Saudi energy sector.

“Through this strategic collaboration with Aramco, we aim to reinforce our commitment to be part of the Kingdom’s future by aligning with its 2030 vision for a digital led economy,” said Saad Toma, General Manager, IBM Middle East and Africa. “This collaboration aims to help develop local skills and talent with the knowledge and expertise needed to build this vision for the future using IBM technologies and expertise.”

To uncover unique and potentially impactful uses of technology, demonstrate feasibility through an agile iterative approach, and then scale these innovations, the proposed Innovation Hub will bring together IBM Consulting and Technology professionals to engage with Aramco experts. It is one of the first of its kind in the region, and it will use the IBM Garage methodology to collaborate with Aramco and other companies in the region to develop digital solutions.