Sep 25, 2025

KFUPM’s Dhahran Techno Valley Wins Hosting IASP 2027

The Dhahran Techno Valley (DTVC) at KFUPM, has won the bid to host the 2027 World Conference of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP). The decision was announced during the IASP General Assembly held in Beijing, China, after a competitive process against science parks in Norrköping, Sweden, and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The IASP World Conference, being held in Saudi Arabia, reaffirms the Kingdom’s leading position on the global innovation map and reflects its growing capabilities in energy, sustainability, and future technologies. It also highlights the Kingdom’s attractive and supportive environment for innovation and investment, as the conference draws more than 1,000 participants, including academics, investors, and entrepreneurs, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s rising role as a global destination for shaping the future.

The Dhahran Techno Valley secured 87 votes out of 118 participating members, surpassing the 59 votes required to win in the final round, ahead of leading international contenders. The next IASP World Conference will be held in Sophia Antipolis, France, in 2026, before the global spotlight shifts to Dhahran in 2027.

Founded in 1984, the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) is the world’s largest network of innovation ecosystems. Today it includes more than 350 members from 80 countries, representing over 115,000 companies in technology, R&D, and entrepreneurship. Since its creation, IASP has organized 40 global conferences and 181 regional events, serving as the leading platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange in innovation worldwide.