Dr. Kevin Cullen
VP of Innovation
KAUST
Dr. Kevin Cullen was appointed as Vice President for Innovation at KAUST in 2018. Kevin is a leader in global innovation with expertise in both economic development and industrial engagement. As vice president of KAUST innovation, he leads the university’s intellectual property portfolio, help create and support new businesses, joint ventures, and collaboration with industry partners, and continue to foster a strong culture of entrepreneurship in the kingdom.
Dr. Cullen has over 20 years of experience in academic innovation and business development. Throughout his career, he has helped elevate university-based innovation enterprises that have let to the launch of more 250 startup companies as well as numerous products and services.
Prior to joining KAUST, Kevin spent 6 years as CEO of innovations at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia. He helped transform UNSW from a traditional commercialization unit into an innovation hub by supporting a broad range of university priorities including economic development and social impact.
