Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has awarded a seven-year contract to global energy technology company SLB under its flagship Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative, marking a significant step in accelerating technology deployment and innovation across Kuwait’s upstream oil and gas sector.
The agreement makes SLB the first contracted technology partner under the Ahmadi Innovation Valley program, which was established by KOC to bring together industry leaders, academic institutions, and technology providers to address strategic technical challenges and support the future development of Kuwait’s energy industry.
Under the contract, SLB will collaborate with KOC to evaluate, pilot, and deploy advanced technologies across a broad range of operational and strategic areas. The scope of work encompasses nearly 100 research and technology projects, including artificial intelligence (AI), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, production optimization, reservoir technologies, water management solutions, and energy transition initiatives.
The partnership is aimed at accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies, enhancing operational efficiency, improving asset performance, and supporting Kuwait’s long-term energy objectives through advanced digital transformation programs.
As part of the agreement, SLB will establish a dedicated Ahmadi Innovation Valley facility in Kuwait, which will serve as a hub for applied research, technology testing, knowledge transfer, and innovation development. Construction of the facility is expected to commence in 2026, with operations scheduled to begin in 2028.
The initiative will also focus on strengthening local technical capabilities, supporting workforce development, and expanding opportunities for collaboration between industry experts, researchers, and emerging Kuwaiti talent.
The contract further strengthens the long-standing relationship between KOC and SLB, which spans more than eight decades, while reinforcing Kuwait’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to improve operational performance, enhance resource recovery, and support sustainable growth within the energy sector.
The Ahmadi Innovation Valley initiative is expected to play a key role in fostering innovation, accelerating technology commercialization, and positioning Kuwait as a regional center for energy research and digital transformation.
