Saudi Arabia is placing material science at the heart of its industrial development. From energy and electronics to manufacturing and advanced polymers, the Kingdom is building a foundation that supports long-term economic strength through research and applied innovation.

Other countries are moving in the same direction. The US, Morocco and Egypt are each using material science to expand their industrial capabilities, improve supply chain security and strengthen key sectors.

Saudi Arabia: Advancing Research for Industrial Impact

Saudi Arabia is making strong progress in polymer science, nanotechnology, catalysis and functional materials. These fields are critical to modern industry as they support applications in energy, manufacturing and advanced electronics.

Functional materials are engineered to perform specific roles in systems. Examples include membranes for clean water and gas separation, catalysts that improve energy efficiency and nanomaterials used in coatings, sensors and semiconductors.

A recent review in The Chemical Record highlighted Saudi Arabia’s scientific leadership in this space and its growing alignment with national development priorities. Local research institutions are developing advanced coatings, membranes and catalysts that meet real-world industrial needs. This work supports Vision 2030 by linking research to commercial outcomes and building long-term capability across high-growth sectors.

US: AI Fast-Tracks Battery Discovery

In the US, SES AI has created Molecular Universe (MU-0), a discovery platform that combines physics and artificial intelligence to predict how new battery materials will perform before they are physically produced.

By simulating molecular behaviour, researchers can focus only on the most promising materials. This approach is designed to speed up development of advanced battery chemistries, including lithium-metal and solid-state systems. It supports innovation while reducing time, cost and uncertainty in the research process.

Morocco: Expanding Battery Material Production

In Morocco, Falcon Energy Materials, is partnering with China’s Shanshan New Materials to build a production plant for coated spherical purified graphite (CSPG). .

Used in lithium-ion battery anodes, CSPG is produced by refining natural or synthetic graphite into highly pure particles. These spherical particles are coated with a carbon layer to improve conductivity, durability and energy performance. CSPG plays a central role in delivering stable, high-performance batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Construction of the production plant is expected to start in 2025, with a target output of more than 25,000 tonnes a year. Morocco’s proximity to Europe, favourable trade access and clean energy goals make it an ideal location for this type of investment.

Egypt: Restarting Strategic Ferrosilicon Production

As a clear sign of an upward swing, Egypt has resumed operations at a major ferrosilicon plant. Ferrosilicon is an alloy made from iron and silicon, widely used in steelmaking to improve strength, hardness and resistance to corrosion. It is also used in producing magnesium, semiconductors and some battery chemistries.

This restart supports Egypt’s strategy to expand local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported materials. By reactivating production of a critical industrial input, Egypt is strengthening the foundations of its steel, electronics and energy sectors.

Materials at the Centre of Industrial Growth

Each country is applying material science in different ways to support its national objectives:

• Saudi Arabia is building scientific expertise to support manufacturing, clean tech and advanced production
• The US is accelerating material discovery with AI
• Morocco is developing battery-grade materials to serve global supply chains
• Egypt is restoring industrial capacity with a focus on foundational inputs

Material development is no longer a background process. It is becoming a key driver of industrial strategy, enabling growth across sectors that rely on precision, performance and innovation.

WAM Saudi 2025 will highlight how materials, manufacturing and industrial development are advancing across the region and beyond. Join us from 24 to 26 November at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre. Know more and register now at www.wamsaudi.com

Sources:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250410888310/en/SES-AI-to-Launch-Its-Material-Discovery-Software-and-Service-Platform-Molecular-Universe-MU-0-Powered-by-Physics-and-AI-and-Set-to-Transform-Material-Discovery-in-Battery-Industry   https://en.amwalalghad.com/egypt-restarts-ferrosilicon-plant-after-five-year-halt-to-boost-local-industry/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/tcr.202200162

https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/2047-tsx-venture/flcn/178391-falcon-announces-strategic-partnership-with-shanshan-to-develop-customer-base-and-market-anode-plant-production.html