Abstract

Transforming scientific discoveries into technologies that create real-world impact remains a major challenge in research and innovation. Many promising technologies demonstrate strong potential at the laboratory scale but struggle to progress toward validation, scale-up, commercialization, and industrial adoption a challenge commonly referred to as the “Valley of Death.”
This seminar will explore the role of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE) in bridging this gap within Saudi Arabia’s energy innovation ecosystem by connecting academic research with national priorities and industrial needs, fostering collaboration, and supporting promising technologies through higher levels of technology readiness.
The discussion will highlight the importance of clear technology-development pathways, including measurable performance targets, validation, scalability, and commercialization. Examples from renewable energy, energy storage, hydrogen, and smart energy systems will illustrate the journey from laboratory innovation to real-world impact and the opportunities for researchers and graduates to contribute to this transition.

Biography

Dr. Wejdan Althobaiti is a Senior Renewable Energy Engineer at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE), where she works on the development and advancement of emerging renewable energy technologies, with a focus on bridging research, technology development, and real-world deployment.
She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Her doctoral research focused on next-generation organic photovoltaics, particularly understanding and overcoming the fundamental mechanisms that limit solar-cell performance.
Her current work at K.A.CARE involves technology development, research and innovation programs, and collaboration with universities, research institutions, and industry to support the advancement of renewable energy technologies from early-stage research toward higher technology readiness levels and commercialization.
Her broader interests include next-generation photovoltaics, energy storage, hydrogen, and emerging energy technologies, with a particular interest in translating scientific innovation into technologies with practical and industrial impact.