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Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) 2026

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November 29 - December 02, 2026

KAUST

Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

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ASPA 2026

Welcome Messages

A warm welcome from ASPA and KAUST, setting the stage for an inspiring and impactful journey over the coming days.

Mr. Young Jib Kim

Welcome from ASPA

Mr. Young Jib Kim

President, Asian Science Park Association

The very first ASPA Annual Conference to be hosted in Saudi Arabia.

To all distinguished delegates, ASPA members, and innovation partners,

We are immensely honored and delighted to welcome you to the 29th ASPA Annual Conference, taking place at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, from November 29th to December 2nd, 2026.

Marking a historic milestone, this year’s conference is the very first ASPA Annual Conference to be hosted in Saudi Arabia. Following our continuous growth through recent annual meetings in Türkiye, Mongolia, and Thailand over the past three years, this landmark event in Saudi Arabia will firmly establish ASPA as Asia’s premier innovation platform covering the entire Asian region. Set against the backdrop of a nation rapidly transforming into a global hub for research and technology, it brings together science park leaders, corporate executives, tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors from across Asia and the Middle East.

Under the theme “Where Continents Converge: Science Parks Bridging Cultures for the Next Era of Innovation,” the conference will explore how science and technology parks can act as vital bridges—connecting cultures, economies, and research with industry to drive the next wave of sustainable growth and technological breakthroughs.

Furthermore, we warmly anticipate that this gathering will serve as a powerful catalyst. We hope this historic event marks the beginning of deeper engagement and vibrant membership expansion across other dynamic nations throughout the Middle East, fostering robust, cross-regional collaboration and enduring networks between Asia and the Middle East.

Set at KAUST, a vibrant nexus where visionary thinking meets cutting-edge innovation, ASPA 2026 offers a unique platform for collaborative action and borderless partnerships. Whether you are a policymaker, startup founder, research leader, or global investor, this is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and help shape the future of the global innovation ecosystem.

We look forward to welcoming you to Saudi Arabia for an inspiring, visionary, and impactful gathering of the ASPA community.

Warmest regards,
Kim, Young Jib
President of Asian Science Park Association.

Dr. Ian Campbell

Welcome from KAUST

Dr. Ian Campbell

Senior Vice President, NTI, KAUST

The next era of breakthrough science will be written by nations and institutions working across borders, not within them.

On behalf of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, it is my honor to welcome you to the 29th ASPA Annual Conference — the first time this gathering has ever been held in Saudi Arabia.

KAUST sits at a unique crossroads: a research university built to turn scientific ambition into real-world impact, in a Kingdom that is rapidly becoming one of the world's most dynamic hubs for innovation and investment. Hosting ASPA here reflects that ambition, and our belief that the next era of breakthrough science will be written by nations and institutions working across borders, not within them.

This year's theme, ""Where Continents Converge,"" captures exactly what we hope this week will deliver: new connections between Asia's science parks and the Middle East's fastest-growing innovation ecosystem, and the partnerships that will come from them.

To every delegate, member, and partner joining us — welcome to KAUST, and welcome to Saudi Arabia. We're proud to have you here, and excited for what this week will set in motion.

Ian Campbell
Senior Vice President, National Transformation Institute
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Where Continents Converge


Saudi Arabia to Host the 29th Asian Science Parks Association (ASPA) Conference at KAUST in 2026

Who we are

About ASPA 2026

The Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) is a global network connecting science and technology parks, innovation hubs, universities, and industry partners across Asia and beyond.

Since 1997, ASPA has provided a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and best practices in fostering innovation-driven growth.

The 29th ASPA Annual Conference takes place at KAUST, positioned where Asia and the Middle East meet. It asks a defining question: how can science parks bridge cultures, connect ecosystems, and carry innovation into its next era?

Edition

29th Annual Conference

Dates

29 Nov – 2 Dec 2026

Venue

KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

Network since

1997

Four Dimensions of the Theme

Science and technology parks are not only innovation hubs within their borders — they are bridges between them, connecting the talent, ideas, and economies that would otherwise remain apart.

01

Bridging Cultures

Connecting talent and researchers across regions, and advancing the exchange that builds durable cross-border partnerships.

02

Bridging Economies

Linking markets, capital, and supply chains to drive diversification and the creation of new industries.

03

Bridging Research and Industry

Translating world-class research into ventures and moving breakthrough ideas from lab to market.

04

Bridging Today and Tomorrow

Preparing ecosystems for emerging technologies and embedding long-horizon thinking into innovation districts.

As challenges and opportunities increasingly cross borders, the science parks that act as bridges — between cultures, economies, and eras — will define the next phase of growth.

Early-bird registration is open

Secure Your Seat at ASPA 2026

Join science park leaders, innovators and investors from across Asia and the Middle East at KAUST, 29 November – 2 December 2026.

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ASPA

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$350

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  • Standard · after 15 Oct 2026$400
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General Delegate

$400

Early-bird · $450 after 15 Oct

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  • 29 Nov – 2 Dec 2026
  • KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
  • Prices in USD
Programme

Agenda

Four days of keynotes, panels, awards and cultural experiences at KAUST and beyond.

ABOUT SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia

As the largest country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia offers a unique environment where scientific advancement, cultural heritage, and economic transformation converge. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is fostering innovation across sectors including technology, energy, sustainability, and life sciences, while strengthening its position as a global destination for research and international collaboration. Participants visiting Saudi Arabia will experience a dynamic nation that combines modern infrastructure, exceptional hospitality, and a rich cultural legacy spanning thousands of years.

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People

Speakers

Leaders from science parks, universities, government and industry across Asia and the Middle East.

With thanks to

Sponsors

ASPA 2026 is made possible by organizations committed to building bridges across innovation ecosystems.

    Travel & Logistics

    Plan Your Visit

    To help you prepare for your upcoming visit, we encourage you to review the key information and travel advice below. Before travelling, please check the latest travel guidelines from your country’s embassy and consult your primary care provider about vaccinations or other health preparations.

    Please note

    Please note that the KAUST premises are fully closed to external guests. Securing accommodation outside of the immediate university area—such as in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) or Jeddah—introduces significant daily transportation challenges and logistically demanding transit times. Relying on external hotels requires navigating daily security gate checkpoints and lengthy commutes, which can result in unforeseen scheduling delays and separate you from the core evening networking events and early morning sessions.

    Our recommendation

    To maximize your time, convenience, and networking opportunities, we strongly recommend that the majority of attendees book their stay at the Al Khozama Hotel, located directly within the KAUST vicinity.

    Book with the ASPA Group Rate

    Address

    King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
    4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Thuwal 23955-6900
    Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Visas

    We cannot accept responsibility for visa applications. If a delegate is unable to attend due to visa issues, our usual cancellation policy will apply. We recommend obtaining travel insurance for the duration of your visit.

    GCC citizens

    Do not need a visa. Passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned entry date.

    eVisa

    Available to many countries in Europe, North America, Oceania, and parts of Asia.

    Check your Eligibility →

    Getting There

    By plane

    Fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (approx. 1-hour drive).

    Email: HancoTransport@kaust.edu.sa, Email: uma.taxi@kaust.edu.sa

    Transportation rates →

    By car

    Use the KAUST Visitor Center Parking with prior approval

    Without car access, use Visitor Centre (Gate 1).

    *Note that Uber does not operate within KAUST campus, but can drop you off at the entrance gate.

    Local FAQs

    • Dress code

      Conservative. Business or business casual. No abaya/headscarf required.

    • Language

      Arabic (official); English widely spoken.

    • Weather

      Around 35°C. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jumper for indoors.

    • Currency

      Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit cards widely accepted. ATMs available.

    • Power sockets

      Type G & C, 230V / 60Hz. Bring a universal adapter.

    • Wi-Fi

      Free Wi-Fi across KAUST campus.

    • Water

      Safe to drink from fountains. Tap water not recommended.

    • Alcohol

      Strictly prohibited.

    Visit Saudi

    Safety Advice & Emergency Contacts

    • Keep valuables out of sight
    • Use reliable transport
    • Travel with others, especially at night
    • Stay alert in crowded public areas
    • Shield your PIN when using ATMs

    911Emergency services

    For urgent emergencies within campus, call +966 12 808 0911


    A NEW ERA FOR KAUST

    Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university dedicated to addressing major scientific and technological challenges. It is recognized globally for excellence, ranked #1 worldwide in citations per faculty, #1 in Saudi Arabia and #1 in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings for both 2023 and 2024, and #4 in Western Asia according to Nature Index 2022. With a community representing over 120 nationalities, KAUST fosters international collaboration and advances research in health, environment, energy, and digital technologies, serving as a leading global center of knowledge. The university is ranked #112 globally, has achieved 17 years of excellence, and maintains Top-20 supercomputing performance. 



    LEARN MORE 


    CONTACT US

    EMAIL US


    King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)


    4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

    Thuwal 23955-6900

    Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    © 2026 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.