Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) has announced the launch of the “Cybersecurity Research and Innovation Pioneers Grants Initiative”.

The initiative aims to empower outstanding researchers and innovators to ignite the development of breakthrough research and disruptive innovations for present and emerging cybersecurity challenges and accelerate their impact at the national and international levels. The NCA has announced this initiative in collaboration with its technical arm, the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), as part of the “National Program for Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) in Cybersecurity”.

The national program is a launchpad for transformative initiatives that unlock new horizons and foster cybersecurity industry development on a national level. Its aim is to solidify the Kingdom’s standing as a secure global economic driver built upon innovation and cybersecurity excellence.

The program prioritizes eight national areas, focusing on NextGen Cyber Defense, Cyber Resilience, Cyber-Physical Technologies and IoT, AI x Cyber, Cryptography and Quantum Security, Behavioral Cyber, Future of Cyber Threats and Attacks, and Cyber Order. By nurturing robust national and international partnerships in cybersecurity RDI, the program is the cornerstone of building an attractive innovation ecosystem in this critical field.

The Cybersecurity Research and Innovation Pioneers Grants initiative will provide cybersecurity grants for researchers, academics, experts, and university students at various levels in cybersecurity or related fields. It will nurture broader-scale advancements in cybersecurity RDI under three primary tracks: Scientific Research and Projects, Postgraduate Research Theses, and Bachelor's and Master’s Graduation Projects.

NCA invites all eligible individuals to apply for the initiative. Applications commenced on July 11 and applicants can submit their proposals through the NCA website at www.nca.gov.sa .