Innovation scale-up Wazoku has officially announced its expansion into the GCC region with the establishment of a dedicated presence in the UAE. This move includes significant investments in UAE-based server infrastructure to ensure compliance with local data protection requirements and enhance client trust.
To further solidify its regional operations, Wazoku has partnered with FKRA, a UAE-based innovation consultancy. This collaboration will bring localized expertise to Wazoku’s operations, enabling the company to respond more effectively to the unique demands of the GCC market.
“Demand for open innovation services in the GCC is growing rapidly, with the region increasingly seeking global expertise to address its challenges,” said Schonning Eysturoy, Senior Director of Innovation Ecosystems at Wazoku.
Commitment to Innovation Excellence
With over 2,500 challenges solved through open innovation, including projects for some of the region’s largest organizations, Wazoku is uniquely positioned to meet the growing need for innovative solutions. “Our partnership with FKRA and the launch of our UAE-based server underscore our commitment to the region. These initiatives will greatly enhance our ability to serve the GCC’s innovation needs,” added Eysturoy.
Regional and Global Reach
Wazoku already has a strong global footprint, with offices and partners in the UK, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Colombia, and the US. This expansion marks another milestone in its growth journey. The company has a proven track record in the GCC, having collaborated with key organizations like Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Neom, Saudi Water Authority, and Aramco.
Recently, Wazoku played a pivotal role in the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination (GPID), the world’s largest competition dedicated to desalination excellence. Using its crowdsourcing expertise, Wazoku attracted 540 participants this year—more than double the previous year’s count. These participants will compete for a $10 million prize, with the winner to be announced in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 25.
Since establishing its UAE presence, Wazoku has added major clients, including EDGE Group and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). To commemorate its expansion, Wazoku will host a special event in collaboration with TII in Abu Dhabi on November 19, 2024. The event will spotlight how crowdsourcing fosters regional innovation and showcase successful open innovation programs.
A Market-Leading Platform for Innovation
Wazoku collaborates with a diverse range of global enterprises, government agencies, and non-profits, including Sanofi, A2A, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Its Innovation Ecosystem Platform is central to its Total Innovation approach, encompassing Market Intelligence & Scouting, Innovation Management, and Start-up & Partner Ecosystem Management. The platform enables organizations to crowdsource, capture, and manage ideas from employees, customers, and partners, as well as from Wazoku’s network of 700,000 researchers, scientists, and experts.
“The GCC countries are heavily investing in R&D, with initiatives like the UAE’s recently established R&D council aimed at building a robust innovation ecosystem,” Eysturoy explained. “With our market-leading platform and global innovation network, Wazoku is perfectly positioned to support the region’s ambition to drive sustainable and large-scale innovation. Establishing our UAE presence is a pivotal step in serving clients across the GCC more effectively.”
