In a strategic move to strengthen its global presence, California-based edge AI firm Kneron has secured a $2 million non-equity grant from Saudi Arabia’s National Technology Development Program (NTDP). The funding comes as part of the Kingdom’s ambitious RELOCATE program, aimed at establishing Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced semiconductor and AI technologies.
Deep-Tech Meets National Vision
Kneron was selected for its pioneering work in reconfigurable Neural Processing Units (NPUs), key components in edge AI systems. The company is now gearing up to launch a local subsidiary in Riyadh and is partnering with the National Semiconductor Hub (NSH) to support Saudi Arabia’s fabless semiconductor ecosystem.
This collaboration aligns closely with the Kingdom’s broader goal of achieving technological sovereignty and building a robust AI-powered economy under Vision 2030.
What is RELOCATE?
The RELOCATE program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), is a bold initiative designed to:
- Attract 50 global semiconductor companies to Saudi Arabia
- Train 20,000 AI professionals by 2030
- Boost deep-tech innovation and R&D infrastructure
- Establish Saudi Arabia as a competitive tech powerhouse
RELOCATE is part of the larger $100 billion effort to build “Transcendence”, a next-generation tech hub that positions the Kingdom at the heart of the global AI and semiconductor revolution.
Who is Kneron?
Kneron is a full-stack edge AI company based in the U.S., specializing in AI hardware and software for:
- Autonomous vehicles
- Smart surveillance and security systems
- AIoT applications
The company offers solutions that enable on-device processing, reducing latency, enhancing data privacy, and enabling real-time decision-making.
What’s Next for Kneron in Saudi Arabia?
With the $2M grant in hand, Kneron plans to:
- Establish a regional AI R&D hub in Riyadh
- Develop advanced AI chips using Saudi’s growing semiconductor capabilities
- Support smart city initiatives and enterprise AI deployments
- Drive digital transformation across key public and private sectors in the region
This expansion not only enhances Kneron’s global reach but also deepens Saudi Arabia’s access to cutting-edge AI technologies that align with its economic diversification agenda.
The Bigger Picture
Kneron’s partnership with the Kingdom is more than just an investment win. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s rapid rise as a serious player in deep-tech. With initiatives like RELOCATE and Transcendence, the country is actively drawing global innovators to co-create a thriving, future-ready tech ecosystem.
“This is a glimpse into the future,” said an NTDP spokesperson. “We’re not just funding innovation, we’re bringing it home.”