RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in scientific research, innovation, and higher education is yielding tangible results, as reflected in a surge of patent filings and international recognition for Saudi innovators.
Official data shows 8,029 patent applications were submitted in 2024, marking a 13.3% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 31,834 trademarks and 1,578 industrial designs were registered, while 4,355 patents were published.
Investment in research and development reached SAR22.6 billion ($6 billion) in 2023, representing a 17.4% rise compared to 2022.
Among recent success stories, Saudi ophthalmologist Dr. Saad Al-Anzi won the grand prize at the Geneva International Exhibition in April for a cost-effective cataract surgical tool. Six other Saudi innovators received global awards at the same event, with 134 earning international medals.
Moreover, 39 students from King Abdulaziz University were recognized with a global award at the IENA Expo in Germany last October for their ideas, inventions, and product innovations.
