Edge AI inferencing pioneer Kneron to open subsidiary in Riyadh
San Diego-headquartered Kneron partners with Saudi’s National Semiconductor Hub
#Saudi #Edge - San Diego-headquartered on-device AI inferencing startup Kneron is establishing a subsidiary in Riyadh in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub (NSH) and National Technology Development Program (NTDP). Kneron’s expansion aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and leverages the Kingdom's $266 million semiconductor fund to build a fabless semiconductor ecosystem and lure semiconductor companies to the country. The market entry will move the company closer to its Saudi customers.
SO WHAT? - As a developer of advanced on-device Edge AI, Kneron is an ideal market entrant for Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub. The company develops integrated edge AI hardware and software solutions to create networked independently intelligent devices for vehicle, security, and broader AIoT use cases. The hub aims to relocate or create 50 local semiconductor design companies by 2030 via a combination of incentives for global firms and local ecosystem programmes to nurture talent, startups and R&D. Kneron’s move brings with it the possibility of knowledge transfer, training for young technology professionals and partnerships between the Californian startup and Saudi tech companies.
Here are some key points from the Kneron announcement:
Kneron will form a Riyadh subsidiary in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub (NSH) and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) to accelerate Edge AI solutions.
The National Semiconductor Hub was launched by the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) in 2024 with $266 million in funding to attract 50 semiconductor firms by 2030. Partners include KACST (King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology) and KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology).
Kneron’s Edge AI chips are designed for critical applications like healthcare, education, and transportation. The new subsidiary will focus on local talent development and technology transfer to support Saudi’s ecosystem.
Kneron has raised $195 million to date from global investors such as the family of TSMC’s founder Morris Chang, Sequoia China, Qualcomm, Horizon Ventures, Foxconn, SparkLabs and many other key industry leaders.
ZOOM OUT - Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub (NSH) is a cornerstone initiative designed to create a local semiconductor industry. Launched at the Future of Semiconductors Forum last year, the NSH is backed by a SAR 1 billion ($266.6m) technology fund, supported by deep tech venture capital firms. Its primary aim is to attract 50 world-class chip design companies to Saudi Arabia by 2030. The initiative also includes a strategy to recruit 25 international semiconductor experts and train 5,000 engineers, ensuring the development of a skilled workforce.
Read more about Saudi Arabia’s deep tech ecosystem:
Saudi deep tech startups raise more than $100m since 2020 (Middle East AI News)
Hashgraph to launch Saudi DeepTech Venture Studio (Middle East AI News)
DeepMinds to build deep tech clusters (Middle East AI News)