The future of Education,
research, and innovation

Today's education systems are not keeping pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its transformation of the world. Globally, there is a gap between skills and digital- and technology-driven market needs. Traditional education systems are not able to support at scale personalized upskilling and life-long development. Innovation became more fragmented than ever before, whilst the key global challenges urgently need effective solutions.

The NEOM Education, Research, and Innovation Sector is creating a fully integrated and functional education ecosystem. From early childhood to grade 12 high to university to vocational training to continuous professional development throughout an evolving career. An ecosystem that embraces learning and innovation to better the world, lifelong learning and professional development opportunities will be provided at scale, because they are essential to personal fulfillment, prosperity and economic development.

NEOM's ERI Sector aims to establish a world-class education, research, and innovation ecosystem that inspires and empowers the best minds: technology to better the world, innovation through the "lab of the future", and life-long personalized development.

We believe that, going forward, no career or vocation will be possible without an understanding of how advances in science, technology, computing and AI are transforming every aspect of our lives and can advance the world's wellbeing and prosperity. Our educational approaches will emphasize personalized development through inquiry-based, experiential learning that transcends disciplines, build on design thinking and understanding of the impact of technology and AI on our lives and the world. This will provide opportunities for real-world problem solving to foster creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

NEOM U will prioritize class offerings for professionals being recruited by the Sectors and industries of NEOM, and for graduate students who are being recruited by NEOM U faculty to pursue research as masters and doctoral students. Also, we plan to start engaging with students interested in pursuing their undergraduate studies at NEOM U by offering them a variety of innovative programs that provide them with opportunities to start experiencing and benefiting from NEOM U’s unique approaches to teaching and learning even before our facilities are ready.

The Talent Academy will be ‘demand-led’ and its curriculum will respond to the economic needs of NEOM. However, it is already clear that the core course areas will include topics such as digital capability, data-led management and the green-energy industry.

We will build the vibrant Education, Research, and Innovation ecosystem with a high density of talent and ideas, to drive continuous innovation and economic development, and provide next-generation technologies and the workforce NEOM needs to thrive as 'the land of the future.'

Yes. The Talent Academy will feature a uniquely flexible learning model, designed to fit around busy lives. Suitable for career starters and apprentices as well as experienced professionals requiring further support and development.