The agreement outlines joint efforts to accelerate technology transfer, foster local innovation, and support the growth of the hydrogen value chain. Both sides will work on initiatives that aim to drive industrial decarbonisation and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for sustainable energy solutions.
As part of the collaboration, Stargate Hydrogen will establish a new regional headquarters, Stargate Hydrogen SKA, in Riyadh. This facility will focus on advancing deep-tech solutions for green hydrogen production while localising the company’s proprietary technologies for deployment in the Kingdom. The company also plans to partner with local academic institutions, including the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), to develop intellectual property and support the training of local talent. Collaboration with Saudi manufacturers is expected to further build capacity in electrolyser technologies.
Marko Virkebau, CEO of Stargate Hydrogen, said: “Through this partnership with RDI, Stargate Hydrogen will drive IP generation, support local talent, and contribute to the Kingdom’s ambition of becoming a global leader in clean energy.” He added that Saudi Arabia provides a unique and competitive environment to scale transformative technologies.
Dr Yazeed Alaskar, Executive Director of Institutional Funding at RDI, highlighted the shared objectives of the agreement: “By strengthening collaborative innovation between global leaders and local institutions, we help create shared opportunities that accelerate the Kingdom’s transition toward sustainability, while contributing to global progress in clean energy.”
To oversee the partnership, a joint steering committee will be formed, supported by teams from both organizations handling daily operations. Regular workshops and stakeholder sessions are also planned to ensure alignment among government, industry, and academic stakeholders.
The cooperation was facilitated by Apex Ventures under RDI’s global startups attraction program, reflecting the Kingdom’s efforts to bring international expertise into its innovation ecosystem.
This partnership underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to strengthen its clean energy sector while fostering global collaborations in green hydrogen. For Stargate Hydrogen, it represents an opportunity to expand its global footprint, accelerate the development of proprietary technologies, and contribute to advancing sustainable energy practices in one of the world’s most significant emerging clean energy markets.
