PSU Signs Cooperation Agreement with Al Hofuf Stars Trading Company

In a significant step toward advancing agricultural technology in the Kingdom, Prince Sultan University (PSU) has entered into a collaboration agreement with Al Hofuf Stars Trading Company. Signed on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the memorandum of understanding was officially executed by Prof. Dhafer Almakhles, Director of the Research and Initiatives Center, and Mr. Saad Abdulrahman Al-Yamani, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Al Hofuf Stars Trading Company. This agreement establishes a framework for joint research and development to combat agricultural pests.

The partnership directly targets the enhancement of a patented system developed by PSU’s Robotics and Internet-of-Things Lab to detect the red palm weevil in date palm farms (Saudi Patent No. SA18938). The agreement describes a clear plan for cooperation, including:
- Joint Research: Conducting shared studies to improve the system's hardware, such as sensors and Internet of Things devices, and its software, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning models for real-time pest detection.
- Field Trials: Implementing pilot projects at Al Hofuf farms to verify the system's performance and scalability.
- Commercialization Efforts: Exploring pathways for technology transfer, licensing, and local, regional, and global manufacturing.
- Capacity Building: Providing training programs for engineers, technicians, and farmers on the use and maintenance of the technology.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Prince Sultan University by solidifying its role in bridging academic research with practical, industry-specific applications. The partnership with Al Hofuf Stars Trading Company demonstrates a clear path for translating intellectual property, such as the patented red palm weevil detection system, into a commercially viable product. This model of cooperation promises to deliver an impactful solution to a major agricultural challenge and sets a strong precedent for future university-industry partnerships in Saudi Arabia.