Ericsson and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) have partnered to establish the “Blink Lab,” an advanced connectivity lab for gaming and beyond, located at KACST’s premises in Riyadh. The lab aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship while unlocking the Kingdom’s technological potential.
Key Takeaways:
- The Blink Lab will serve as a testbed for research and product development in gaming solutions.
- It will feature a private 5G network and utilize Ericsson’s latest cloud-native technologies.
- The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by enhancing the local gaming sector.
The lab is strategically positioned to facilitate accessibility for KACST’s researchers and startups at the Garage, one of the largest incubators for deep technologies in the region. It will be equipped with a private 5G network, serving as a hub for training, research, and commercialization of innovative gaming solutions.
Ericsson’s global expertise will underpin the lab, featuring the latest in 5G Core and Cloud Native Infrastructure solutions, alongside its 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment. This collaborative space is expected to attract researchers, startups, and product developers interested in advancing 5G-related solutions within the Kingdom.
Dr. Mariam Nouh, Vice President of Future Economies at KACST, emphasized the importance of this partnership in positioning the Kingdom among the world’s leading economies through technological advancement. Mashhour Al-Sudairy, Head of Local Content at Ericsson Saudi Arabia, reiterated the commitment to contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Kingdom’s gaming sector.
With the gaming industry in Saudi Arabia experiencing significant growth—22 percent from 2022 to 2023—the establishment of the Blink Lab aligns with the country’s strategic focus on innovation and investment in emerging technologies.
