JEDDAH — Three scientists from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Hamed Albalawi, Hend Mohamed and Walaa Khushaim, have been named MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 MENA.

The three are among 15 people named this year, according to a KAUST press release. The honor is given to innovators whose inventions and research in their respective scientific fields help shape the future.

Albalawi has developed calcium carbonate photo-initiated ink and is testing its effectiveness for 3D-bioprinting scaffolds for coral restoration and bone regeneration.

Mohamed has developed new catalysts and catalytic processes to produce sustainable aviation fuel, chemicals and electricity from renewable sources, CO2 and wastewater.

Khushaim developed multiplexed biosensors based on functionalized nanomaterials for the early detection of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).

According to the release, this is not the first time several KAUST scientists receive the honor of being named MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 MENA in one year.

Three more won the award in 2022, and several others have won since the first Innovators Under 35 MENA were announced in 2018. — SPA