Conference agenda

Three days of keynotes, a panel, hands-on workshops and student research at KFUPM, 3 to 5 October 2026.

  • Keynote
  • Panel
  • Workshop
  • Student research
  • Ceremony
  • 8:30 - 9:00 AM
    Registration and Arrival
    B70
  • 9:00 – 9:30 AM
    Official Opening Ceremony
    B70
  • 9:00 – 9:10 AM
    Welcome Remarks
  • 9:10 – 9:25 AM
    Conference Overview
  • 9:25 – 9:30 AM
    Objectives & Program Highlights
  • 9:40 – 11:30 AM
    Keynote Session Day I – Research, Technology & Innovation
    B70
  • 09:40 – 10:00 AM
    Keynote 1: Hussain Darwiesh“Minds Machines and the Gap Between”
    B70
  • 10:00 – 10:10 AM
    Transition / Speaker Change
    B70
  • 10:10 – 10:30 AM
    Keynote 2 – Dr. Khalid bin Marshoud Al-RohilyHow Research and Innovation Are Shaping the Future of Food
    B70
  • 12:00 – 4:00 PM
    Student Research Exhibition + Poster Presentation Sessions – Oral Sessions – Scientific Papers – Kickoff
    B57
  • 12:00 - 14:00
    Workshop 1 - Data Visualization Tools (Python, R, Power BI) - Fares Almohsen
    B57 – R219
  • 12:00 - 14:00
    Workshop 2 - How to Start Your Own Drone Business - Dr. Sami Alhasan
    B57 – R221
  • 14:00 - 16:00
    Workshop 3 - From Concept to Reality — Prototyping & Product Development - Abdulrahman Sharqawi
    B57 – R219
  • 14:00 - 16:00
    Workshop 4 - Leadership and Effective Communication in Project Management - Eng. Raied Odeh Al-Reyahi (PMI)
    B57 – R221
  • 1:00 – 3:00 PM
    Oral Research Presentations (8 Sessions, 15 minutes each)
    Venue
  • 1:00 – 1:15 PM
    Regenerative Ophthalmology Approaches for Presbyopia: A PRISMA-ScR Guided Scoping Review of Stem Cell, Molecular, and Nanotechnology-Based Interventions
    B57
  • 1:15 – 1:30 PM
    Microplastic Abundance and Characterization in Omani Coral Reefs: Insights from Muscat and Musandam
    B57
  • 1:30 – 1:45 PM
    Sustainable Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from E-Waste via Green Foam Flotation Using Rhamnolipid Biosurfactants
    B57
  • 1:45 – 2:00 PM
    Design and Simulation of a Photovoltaic Power Plant for Green Hydrogen Production in Saudi Arabia
    B57
  • 2:00 – 2:15 PM
    Bio-Integrated Photobioreactor Façades for Sustainable Digital Research Infrastructure and Operational Carbon Reduction
    B57
  • 2:15 – 2:30 PM
    Region-specific transcriptomic-based identification of ageing-associated lncRNAs in the human brain
    B57
  • 2:30 – 2:45 PM
    Low-Cost Hydrophobization of Self-Sensing Cement via Oleic Acid-Silica Fume Coupling for Environmental Drift Suppression
    B57
  • 2:45 – 3:00 PM
    Oral Research Presentations – Session 8
    B57
  • 8:30 - 9:00 AM
    Registration and Arrival
    B70
  • 9:00 – 9:45 AM
    Keynote Sessions
    B70
  • 9:00 – 9:20 AM
    Keynote 1: Abdullah Jarwan“AI won’t wait for Graduation - How to Build your edge before you leave campus”
    B70
  • 9:20 – 9:25 AM
    Transition / Speaker Change
    B70
  • 9:25 – 9:45 AM
    Keynote 2 – Eng. Ahmed Alshehri“From Research to Impact : Accelerating Energy Innovation”
    B70
  • 09:50 – 10:10 AM
    Keynote 3: Dr. Mehmood Khan
    B70
  • 10:10 – 10:30 AM
    Break & stage preparation (20 minutes)
  • 10:10 AM – 12:00 PM
    Panel Discussion 1 (20 minutes prep. +80 minutes discussions + 10 minutes closing remarks)
    B70
  • 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM
    Panel Discussion (80 minutes)"Disrupting the Business Landscape: Innovation, Investment, and the Economy of Tomorrow"
  • 11:50 AM – 12:00 PM
    Panel Discussion Closing Remarks (10 minutes)
    B70
  • 12:00 – 13:00
    Lunch & Networking
    B57
  • Workshops (12:00 - 16:00)
  • 12:00 – 16:00
    Workshop 1 - Essentials of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) - Terence Chibire (CNTXT Academy)
    B57 – R219
  • 12:00 – 14:00
    Workshop 2 - From Student to Specialist: Your AI and Cloud Career in Saudi Arabia, 2026 to 2030 - Abdulrhman Alahmadi (CNTXT Career Sessions)
    B57 – R221
  • 14:00 – 16:00
    Workshop 3 - Leadership, Teamwork & Collaboration in Research Projects - Ismail Salman Ismail
    B57 – R221
  • 12:00 – 16:00
    Poster sessions
    B57
  • 1:00 – 3:00 PM
    Oral Research Presentations (8 Sessions, 15 minutes each)
    B57 - R005
  • 1:00 – 1:15 PM
    Design and Development of an IoT-Based Smart Soil Testing Device for Precision Agriculture
    B57 - R005
  • 1:15 – 1:30 PM
    Wearable Device Forensics: Identity Attribution and Wearer Verification Using Smartwatch Data
    B57 - R005
  • 1:30 – 1:45 PM
    Integrated Digital Forensic Validation & Intelligent Triage
    B57 - R005
  • 1:45 – 2:00 PM
    Predictive Spatial-Temporal Optimization for Cold-Chain Decarbonization: A Machine Learning Architecture to Overcome Thermal Energy Inversion in Hyper-Arid Corridors
    B57 - R005
  • 2:00 – 2:15 PM
    Oral Research Presentations – Session 5
    B57 - R005
  • 2:15 – 2:30 PM
    Oral Research Presentations – Session 6
    B57 - R005
  • 2:30 – 2:45 PM
    Oral Research Presentations – Session 7
    B57 - R005
  • 2:45 – 3:00 PM
    Oral Research Presentations – Session 8
    B57 - R005
  • 8:30 - 9:00 AM
    Registration and Arrival
    B57
  • 09:00 – 10:20 AM
    Keynote Sessions
    B70
  • 9:00 – 9:20 AM
    Keynote 1 – Dr. Maha Al-Mozaini"Think Like a Scientist, Act Like an Entrepreneur"
    B70
  • 9:20 – 9:30 AM
    Transition / Speaker Change
    B70
  • 9:30 – 9:50 AM
    Keynote 2: Najla Al-Ahmadi“Space Technologies for a Smarter Planet”
    B70
  • 9:50 – 10:00 AM
    Transition / Speaker Change
    B70
  • 10:30 AM – 14:00
    Student Research Exhibition + Poster Presentation Sessions – Scientific Papers – Kickoff
    B57
  • 10:30 – 14:00
    Poster sessions
    B57
  • 10:00 - 14:00
    Workshop 1 - Essentials of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) - Terence Chibire (CNTXT Academy)
    B57 – R219
  • 10:00 - 12:00
    Workshop 2 - ISEF
    B57 – R221
  • 12:00 - 13:00
    Workshop 3 - From Student to Entrepreneur: Starting Your Journey Today - Saleh Alsallum (Asharqia Chamber)
    B57 – R221
  • 13:00 - 14:00
    Workshop 4 - Public Speaking, Debate & Persuasion Skills - Abdullah Almakrami
    B57 – R221
  • 13:00 – 14:00
    Lunch & Networking
    B57
  • Closing Ceremony
  • 14:00-15:00
    Closing ceremony preparation
    B70
  • 15:00 – 16:00
    ★ Closing Ceremony
    B70

Workshops need separate registration. Times may change; check back before you come.

Speakers and panelists

Leaders from government, industry and research sharing how disruptive technology is changing their fields.

Day 1

Saturday 3 October
Hussain Darwiesh

Hussain Darwiesh

Chief of Strategy and Performance, Digital Cooperation Organization

Minds Machines and the Gap Between

About

A strategy and performance executive supporting organizational direction, performance management and initiatives that advance digital cooperation across member states.

Dr. Khalid bin Marshoud Al-Rohily

Dr. Khalid bin Marshoud Al-Rohily

Director General, National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development (Estidamah)

How Research and Innovation Are Shaping the Future of Food

About

Dr. Al-Rohily leads Estidamah's work to translate agricultural research into practical solutions that improve resource efficiency, resilience and food security in Saudi Arabia.

Day 2

Sunday 4 October
Abdullah Jarwan

Abdullah Jarwan

Chief Executive Officer, CNTXT

AI Won't Wait for Graduation: How to Build Your Edge Before You Leave Campus

About

Jarwan leads CNTXT, a Saudi Aramco and Cognite joint venture delivering cloud and digital transformation services across the region. He brings more than two decades of experience in cybersecurity, infrastructure and enterprise technology.

Eng. Ahmed Alshehri

Eng. Ahmed Alshehri

Director of Renewable Energy Partnerships, KACARE

From Research to Impact: Accelerating Energy Innovation

About

An energy-sector leader focused on partnerships that connect research, technology localization and renewable-energy deployment.

Dr. Mehmood Khan

Dr. Mehmood Khan

Chief Executive Officer, Hevolution Foundation

About

A physician-scientist and R&D leader working to extend healthy human lifespan. His career includes senior research roles at PepsiCo and Takeda, as well as academic medicine at Mayo Clinic.

Panel: Disrupting the Business Landscape: Innovation, Investment, and the Economy of Tomorrow

10:30 AM – 11:50 AM in B70

Fadi Al-Awami

Fadi Al-Awami

Founder, The Consultation Center; Fintech and SME Adviser

About

A licensed financial adviser who supports fintech companies and SMEs with strategy, operating models and regulatory licensing. He has also advised programs involving the World Bank Group and Monsha'at.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Khateeb

Dr. Ahmed Al-Khateeb

PhD, MBA

Dr. Abdulrahman Alshabeb

Dr. Abdulrahman Alshabeb

Scholar and Adviser in International Relations, Media and Education

About

A multidisciplinary scholar whose work spans academic consulting, linguistics and law policymaking. He has served as an adviser at the Ministry of Education for international relations and media.

Talal Al-Hammad

Moderator
Talal Al-Hammad

Founder and Editor-in-Chief, entArabi; Co-founder, Locate

About

A media entrepreneur covering startups, technology and innovation in the Middle East. He founded entArabi in 2023 and previously led Cointelegraph Arabia.

Day 3

Monday 5 October
Dr. Maha Al-Mozaini

Dr. Maha Al-Mozaini

Senior Adviser and Medical Scientist

Think Like a Scientist, Act Like an Entrepreneur

About

A biomedical scientist specializing in virology, immunology and infectious diseases. She established advanced immunodeficiency research capabilities in Saudi Arabia and has supported national research and innovation initiatives.

Najla Al-Ahmadi

Najla Al-Ahmadi

Director of Exploration Technology Projects, Saudi Space Agency

Space Technologies for a Smarter Planet

About

A space-sector leader responsible for exploration technology projects at the Saudi Space Agency, contributing to technologies and partnerships that support the Kingdom's space ambitions.

9:00 – 9:10 AM

Building 60

Day 3 Opening

9:00 – 10:40 AM

Building 60

Keynote Sessions

9:10 – 9:40 AM

Prof. Nasir Shafiq

Redefining The Physical Realm: Advanced Manufacturing

9:35- 10:00 AM

Mr. Ameer Dhia Ibrahim

Disrupting The Business Landscape

10:00- 10:25 AM

Prof. Fatemah Alharbi

Evolving Intelligent Systems

10:00 – 11:00 AM

B60 – Room 102

S&D: Networking for Researchers: Building Global Connections

10:40 AM – 1:30 PM

Building 54

Exhibition & Immersive Pavilion | Poster sessions

12:00 – 2:00 PM

B60

Lunch

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

B60 – Room 101

S&D: Natural language processing (NLP) for beginners

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

B60 – Room 102

S&D: Grant Writing and Funding Opportunities

2:00 – 3:30 PM

B60

Closing Ceremony

3:30 – 8:00 PM

Building 19

Social Activities

Our Journey Ends Here. Thank you for Following Up with GSR!

9:00 – 9:10 AM

Building 60

Day 2 Opening

9:10 – 11:25 AM

B60

Keynote Sessions

9:10 – 9:40 AM

Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Humam​

Redefining The Physical Realm: Advanced Manufacturing

9:40 – 10:10 AM

Mr. Moath Abuaysha

Redefining The Physical Realm: Advanced Manufacturing

10:20 – 10:50 AM

Dr. Atif Alzahrani

Smart Planet: Sustainable Energy

10:50 – 11:25 AM

Ms. Harmeen Mehta

Evolving Intelligent Systems

10:00 – 11:00 AM

B60 – Room 101

S&D: How to Start Your First Research

12:00 – 2:00 PM

Front of B60

Lunch

12:00 – 4:00 PM

B54

Exhibition & Immersive Pavilion | Poster sessions

12:00 – 1:00 PM

B60 – Room 101

S&D: Scientific Writing for Research Publications

12:00 – 1:00PM

B60

S&D: Personal Branding for Academics and Researchers

1:00 – 3:00 pm 

B60 – Room 105

Oral Sessions

2:00 – 3:00 PM

B60 – Room 101

S&D: Poster Designing

3:00 – 4:00 PM

B60 – Room 101

S&D: Creating with 3D Printing

3:30 – 8:00 PM 

Building 19

Social Activities

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Building 60

Registration

9:00 – 9:50 AM

B60

Opening Ceremony

9:50 – 11:00 AM

B60

Keynote Sessions

9:50 – 10:35 AM

Dr. Ahmed Qureshi
Redefining The Physical Realm: Advanced Manufacturing

10:35  – 11:15 AM

Prof. Richard Bush
Smart Planet: Sustainable Energy

11:10 – 11:25 AM 

B60

Sponsor Awards

11:25 – 2:00 PM

Building 54

Lunch Break

12:30 – 1:30 PM

B60 – 1

S&D: Building and Designing Your Career

12:30 – 1:30 PM

B60 – 2

S&D: From KFUPM to Austria: A Journey of Leading Development Initiatives and Impacting Society

1:00 – 3:00 PM

B60 – 2

Oral Sessions

1:00 – 3:00 PM 

B54

Exhibition & Immersive Pavilion Opening | Poster Session

1:30 – 2:45 PM

B60

Panel Discussion

Data-Driven Innovation: Building Resilient Strategies and Driving Sustainable Economy​

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

B60

S&D: An Interactive Q&A and Exploration of a Researcher's Daily Life

3:30 – 8:00 PM

Building 19

Social Activities