KAIST and King Saud University partner to develop open-source AI model

KAIST President Kwang Hyung Lee left and King Saud University President Abdulla Al-Salman right shake hands after their meeting at the KAIST campus in Seoul on Jul 3 Courtesy of KAIST — KAIST President Kwang Hyung Lee (left) and King Saud University President Abdulla Al-Salman (right) shake hands after their meeting at the KAIST campus in Seoul on Jul. 3. Courtesy of KAIST

SEOUL, July 04 (AJP) - South Korea's prominent research institute Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) and Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University (KSU) have agreed to work together on building an open-source artificial intelligence platform, offering an alternative to the current dominance of the United States and China in the global AI landscape.

The two universities held a meeting on Jul. 3 at the KAIST campus in Seoul. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung and KSU President Abdulla Al-Salman discussed a range of joint initiatives, including AI research, digital platform development, student and faculty exchanges, and a dual graduate degree program. A key focus will be the creation of a joint AI research center to develop open AI models with real-world applications.

The collaboration reflects a shared interest in promoting what President Lee described as a "Tripartite Platform Strategy," a vision for a more cooperative and open AI framework that does not rely on the existing digital power structures led by the U.S. and China.

"Under Saudi Vision 2030, we are driving innovation in science and technology through new leadership, openness, and strategic investment," said President Al-Salman. "This partnership with KAIST will serve as a critical foundation for building a competitive AI ecosystem in the Middle East."

President Lee said, "By combining Saudi Arabia's leadership, market, and investment capacity with KAIST's technological innovation and the rich talent pools from both countries, we will significantly contribute to diversifying the global AI ecosystem."

Saudi Arabia brings strong capital and digital infrastructure to the table. South Korea offers expertise in semiconductors, core AI technologies, applied research, and education. Both sides see the partnership as a way to expand access to AI development beyond the current two-pole system.

The two leaders said their goal is to develop independent AI models that will allow countries across the MENA region, Southeast Asia, and beyond to take part in a more inclusive innovation environment.

KAIST and KSU plan to formalize their agreement through a memorandum of understanding. They also plan to move ahead with projects such as the joint research center and talent development programs. The partnership was launched through the Korea Foundation's Distinguished Guests Invitation Program, supported by South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Founded in 1957, King Saud University is Saudi Arabia's first national university and has built a strong reputation in areas including artificial intelligence, energy, and biotechnology. KAIST is South Korea's top science and engineering university and is recognized for its leadership in innovation, AI, and advanced research.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com