Sabah Al-Ahmad Center & EQUATE sign MoU

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness & Creativity (SACGC), one of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) centers, and EQUATE Petrochemical Company, Kuwait’s first international joint-venture in this industry.

Topics covered by the MoU include overall collaboration for innovation initiatives, intellectual property, patenting, technology transfer, Research & Development (R&D), building capabilities and other partnerships for overall sustainability.

SACGC Chairman Barrak Abdulmohsen Al-Sabeeh said, “This agreement serves the Center’s strategic mission and objectives to support and sponsor talented and creative Kuwaitis, promote their skills, invest their potential in scientific and technological fields, promote creativity culture in the society, and to protect intellectual property rights for projects and ideas by registering them in international patent offices.”

Al-Sabeeh added, “In addition to previous agreements with other organizations, the MoU between SACGC and EQUATE highlights the role corporations play in the development of the Kuwaiti society through the support and sponsorship of youth and the investment of their potential and creativity to ultimately accomplish common goals and exchange expertise in the field of scientific and technological R&D. Being an industrial pioneer, the MoU’s objectives will be achieved through the utilization of EQUATE’s resources. In addition, the agreement will support EQUATE’s national manpower to register their ideas and innovations with international patenting offices, as well as participate in the Center’s workshops to promote a creativity-based culture in the society.”

On his part, EQUATE President & CEO Husain said, “Innovation has become a critical element for sustainability through the principles of added-value creation and continuous learning. Being a continuous journey, innovation is based mainly on the qualified human capital who are capable of benefitting from the fruits of success and lessons of failure.”

Husain noted, “Signing this MoU with SACGC is a strategic step for EQUATE as both organizations are aspiring for a positive cultural-change through embodying ‘Partners in Success’. As the first Kuwaiti organization to adopt Six Sigma methodology and Highly Reliable Organization (HRO) principles, EQUATE’s human capital have proven their innovative capabilities, admirable dedication and global achievements. Such accomplishments have resulted in EQUATE receiving the recognition of several local and international organizations. Having vast partnership opportunities, EQUATE is looking forward to join efforts with SACGC for patenting and knowledge sharing of innovative approaches to ensure future excellence.”

The MoU was signed by Al-Sabeeh and Husain. The signing ceremony was attended by SACGC General-Manager Dr. Omar Al-Bannai, EQUATE Vice President for Technical Services Tareq Jafar Al-Kandari, as well as a number of leaders from both organizations.

Following the MoU signing ceremony, participants toured EQUATE Innovation Lounge, which is considered one of the first innovation centers established by a private company in Kuwait. EQUATE is also planning on establishing Innovation Centers at its industrial complex and its new headquarters.

One of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) centers, Sabah Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity (SACGC) was established in 2010 as an initiative by His Highness the Amir, and Chairman of KFAS, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, May God Safegaurd Him. The center discovers and sponsors talented and creative Kuwaitis by providing an environment that would highlight their distinction, talent and creativity. Ultimately, the center delivers an opportunity for these talented individuals  to convert their thoughts into tangible innovations. Vision: “to convert the center into a globally distinguished institution that cares for gifted and talented Kuwaitis, invests in their innovations for developmental purposes, and takes them to global levels.” Mission: “contributing to build a Kuwaiti society that fosters giftedness and creativity”. www.sacgc.org