From KAUST to acquisition by Estimkan, Saee’s journey underscores research-based entrepreneurship advancing national innovation.
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KAUST startup Saee, a last-mile delivery company recently acquired by Estimkan Holding, exemplifies how research-driven entrepreneurship is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s economy. More than a business success, it reflects KAUST’s expanding role in cultivating innovators and building ventures that attract investment and advance Saudi Vision 2030’s national innovation goals.
For Dr. Tariq Alturkestani, a KAUST alumnus and key figure in Saee’s growth, the University has been instrumental in both his academic and entrepreneurial development — shaping his business acumen.
“KAUST has been a meaningful and positive place for me,” he said, adding his KAUST journey started in 2008 when he was selected for the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP), which earned him a four-year ticket to Penn State University for his undergraduate degree in computer science — a field he continued to pursue at KAUST for his master’s (2013-14) and Ph.D. (2015-20).
While at KAUST, Alturkestani learned a great deal from exceptional faculty members, including then-dean of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, Professor Mootaz Elnozahy, who instilled in him a strong sense of research discipline. In addition, the regular encouragement and support Alturkestani received from his academic advisor, Professor David Keyes, proved invaluable as he began to explore entrepreneurship.
Read the full story at KAUST News.
Related People
David Keyes
- Senior Associate to the President, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
