CST & Software AG sign MoU to Boost Youth Digital Capabilities

• MoU to strengthen digital skills for a digitally empowered future workforce with Software AG’s annual Future Disruptors Program 
• Winning innovators to intern at Software AG’s IoT centers in Saudi Arabia and Germany 

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the ICT regulator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and global technology company Software AG (Frankfurt MDAX: SOW) have signed a memorandum of understanding to support Software AG’s second edition of its annual Future Disruptors Program in the Kingdom in 2023. In line with Saudi Vision 2030’s talent development goals, CST will lend it’s support to the youth program that energizes industry-academia collaboration and encourages effective knowledge and digital skill creation with the objective to boost the country’s digital economy and thrive in a changing world. 

The partnership aims to support technological breakthroughs and the adoption of advanced technologies. Both entities will work collaboratively in various areas of cooperation, including onboarding youth from Universities and Institutions and stimulating smart IoT, AI and machine learning implementations. Students will acquire knowledge and skills to build and lead real world IoT corporate business cases and transformations as they compete in creating smart sustainable solutions for future cities. The program encourages critical thinking and creativity among students, helps them reimagine future cities and underpins core competencies among students that will shape a future world of well-being while anchored on sustainable goals. 

Under this year’s theme Transform, Evolve and Simplify’ students are encouraged to assess real-world impact of conceptual ideas towards creating new value and developing viable solutions for the industry and sustainable smart cities. Participants must present these real-world contexts through IoT, AI and machine learning based models. The prototypes are assessed and judged by an independent jury comprising of reputed officials from government and non-government organizations. The shortlists and winners are determined based on a point-based system and incorporate innovation, transformation, evolution and simplicity as some of its parameters. With multiple elimination rounds given the overwhelming participation from over 9 universities, only the final three shortlisted projects will showcase their solutions at LEAP 2023. The winning team will get internships at Software AG in Saudi Arabia and Germany providing hands-on experience implementing Software AG solutions in addition to future career opportunities. 

Raed Al-Fayez, Deputy Governor for IT and Emerging Technologies, CST said: “The increase in digitalization across economies is profoundly affecting the future world of work; in which youth play a significant role. At CST, we remain committed to support digital skills development of Saudi youth that not only make them employable but also for future-proofing their careers ahead. The Future Disruptors Program provides the needed practical skills and knowledge through new and emerging technologies. We are pleased that Software AG is taking keen interest in building and sharpening the country’s youth and for a more digitally focused work environment, and we will whole-heartedly complement their endeavors that lead to entrepreneurship spirit”. 

“Digital skills remain center stage unanimously. With Saudi Arabia encouraging Saudization in technology, platforms such as these aim to nurture the Kingdom’s fresh talent, empowering them with 21st century learning by harnessing the power of IT to transform education and emerge as the future workforce,” said Mamdouh Al Olayan, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia, Software AG. “Our technical skills and expertise offered through the period encourage students to envision and redesign innovation for developments such as the soon to be metaverse world, thereby creating young inventors. We are excited for the 2023 teams and their innovative prototypes.” 

The six-month program features extensive resources and in-depth training on Software AG’s industry leading Cumulocity IoT platform led by the firm’s technical team, in addition to advocates, guest trainers and mentors from leading regional organisations. Some of the external names from the program’s previous seasons include – CST, 2P, TCC.  After completion, Software AG will continue to support these young student innovators through strategic collaborations for growth opportunities such as government interactions, the start-up ecosystem and others supporting early-stage start-ups such as, incubators, angel investors and venture capitalists.