Four KAUST innovators named to Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 2025
Four KAUST students and alumni have been named to the 2025 Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 for Science and Technology, an annual list recognizing young leaders shaping the future through innovation. Together, they represent all but one of the Saudi honorees this year, highlighting KAUST’s growing impact on the global science and technology landscape.
From new biometric monitoring devices to protection of head injuries and development of cancer therapies, the four are using their education and research from KAUST to better global health.
“These four individuals represent how KAUST is accelerating Saudi talent to the forefront of science and technology globally,” said Arwa Al-Aama, KAUST vice president of education and advancement.
Aljawharah Alsharif
Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at KAUST, Aljawharah Alsharif is recognized for her work on wearable health-monitoring technologies. Studying under the supervision of Assistant Professor Nazek El-Atab, Alsharif designs bioinspired, skin-attachable devices that can capture physiological signals, such as heart, muscle, and eye activity, without relying on chemical adhesives that can irritate the skin.
Her work combines flexible electronics with advanced 3D and 4D printing techniques to create reusable, stretchable patches that conform naturally to the body. By mimicking biological structures such as octopus suckers, her devices achieve strong but comfortable adhesion, enabling long-term monitoring while reducing manufacturing costs.
Arwa Alghuneim
Arwa Alghuneim earned her Ph.D. in Bioscience under the supervision of Associate Professor Jasmeen Merzaban and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC). She was recognized for her contributions to blood cancer research, particularly acute myeloid leukemia.
Arwa Alghuneim
Alghuneim’s work focuses on understanding how blood stem cells migrate, attach, and function within the bone marrow, a process that is critical for both leukemia progression and the success of stem cell transplants. She has helped demonstrate new strategies to improve stem cell engraftment and explored how existing cancer drugs might be repurposed to target resistant leukemia cells.
Esraa Fakeih
Esraa Fakeih earned her Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering under Professor Khaled Salama. She is a cofounder of Gees, a femtech startup focused on women’s hormonal health.
Esraa Fakeih
Gees is developing a handheld, saliva-based hormone monitoring device that enables women to track key hormonal markers at home and manage ailments such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The technology draws directly on Fakeih’s expertise in biosensors, microneedle systems, and multiplexed diagnostics, as well as KAUST-licensed intellectual property. With a working prototype completed and clinical validation underway, Fakeih’s work highlights how KAUST research translates into startups addressing unmet healthcare needs in the region.
Yousef Algoos
Yousef Algoos earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering under the supervision of Professors Eric Feron and Mohammad Younis. He is currently a scientific researcher specializing in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and semiconductor technologies.
Yousef Algoos
Algoos has developed ultra-miniaturized, energy-efficient microchips designed to detect dangerous impacts that risk concussions and other head injuries in real time. Intended for integration into wearables such as helmets, headbands, or smart glasses, the technology remains dormant until a critical shock occurs, allowing continuous monitoring with minimal power consumption. His work has applications in sports safety, occupational health, and injury prevention.
Research-driven impact
Together, these four honorees demonstrate how KAUST combines rigorous education with pioneering research to translate discovery into real-world impact. Their achievements underscore KAUST’s role in developing the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs contributing to Saudi Arabia’s knowledge economy and global scientific progress.