Jeddah Valley announces a nuclear accelerator for the production of radioactive medical materials
Dr. Sattam Linjawi, CEO of Wadi Jeddah, the investment arm of King Abdulaziz University, revealed the qualitative leaps achieved by the company in the field of localizing precision medical technologies, announcing that the company owns an atomic accelerator dedicated to producing highly complex medical radioactive materials, as part of a comprehensive strategy to transform the outputs of scientific research into economic products with added value.
A strategic context that aligns with Vision 2030
This step comes within the context of the major economic transformations taking place in Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030, which focuses primarily on the knowledge economy and the localization of vital industries. University pharmaceutical companies, such as Jeddah Valley, established in 2010 by royal decree, play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic laboratories and commercial markets, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's pharmaceutical and medical security and reducing reliance on imports in critical sectors.
Atomic accelerator: A quantum leap in medical diagnosis
In detailing the announcement, Al-Najawi explained that the Valley's Molecular Imaging Company owns a state-of-the-art nuclear accelerator, the result of a strategic partnership with American and Italian companies. This project has successfully transitioned from producing a single radioactive material to four specialized materials used in diagnosing cancerous tumors and intractable diseases such as Alzheimer's and epilepsy. The significance of this achievement lies in its national participation rate exceeding 95%, signifying the localization of knowledge and operation entirely by Saudi nationals, a cornerstone of national health security.
An integrated system to support innovation
Jeddah Valley's role extends beyond mere funding to encompass a comprehensive support system for startups. The CEO noted that project support is subject to rigorous criteria ensuring economic viability and alignment with the region's needs. This system includes legal, logistical, and administrative consulting, as well as connecting innovators with investors. A successful example is Triaq, which originated from the College of Pharmacy's research center and currently has nine locally developed medications on the market.
Expansion into mining and Hajj services
Recognizing the Kingdom's pursuit of economic diversification, Lenjawi emphasized that the company's investments extend beyond the medical sector to include other strategic sectors such as mining, particularly given the university's initiative to establish the "Saudi College of Mining" with the support of the Ministry of Industry. The company also places special emphasis on the Hajj and Umrah sector by developing logistical solutions, food technologies, and advanced supply chains for crowd management, thereby enhancing the experience of pilgrims and contributing to the Kingdom's objectives in this vital sector.
