"Souf Center" Wins the "Innovative Energy Project of the Year 2026" Award

The “Sof” Center project, one of the pioneering initiatives supported by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), has been awarded the “Innovative Energy Project of the Year 2026” for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The award is presented by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and was conferred during the regional awards ceremony held in Orlando, Florida, USA.

The award was accepted by Eng. Dr. Dina Al-Naqib, Director of the Research and Technology Activation Department at KFAS, and Sheikha Bibi Dhaif Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Sadu Craft Association, in recognition of the project’s excellence in deploying innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

In a press statement, the Foundation noted that this honor reflects the success of the “Sof” Center as a model integrating scientific research, sustainability, and practical application. By leveraging clean energy solutions, water recycling, and circular economy principles in processing and utilizing local wool, the project contributes to transforming a local resource into a product with both economic and environmental value.

The project’s concept was initiated by the Sadu Craft Association. KFAS funded and supported the associated scientific research, which was executed by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research in collaboration with the Livestock Transport and Trade Company. This approach reflects the complementary roles of national entities in turning ideas into practical and sustainable solutions.

The Foundation added that this achievement aligns with its strategic direction to support applied research, development, and innovation, and to enhance the utilization of science and technology in addressing priority challenges, thereby contributing to sustainable economic, environmental, and social impact.

It emphasized that the “Sof” Center’s receipt of this regional award is a testament to the collective national efforts that contributed to the project’s development. It also highlights the capacity of research- and innovation-driven projects to deliver impactful, practical solutions and to strengthen the regional presence of innovative Kuwaiti initiatives.

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) awards recognize outstanding projects, institutions, and professionals in the fields of energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability. The “Sof” Center project was selected to win the “Innovative Energy Project of the Year 2026” for the MENA region as part of the AEE’s 2026 regional awards.