Saudi Aramco, Cognite partner to form tech joint venture

Saudi Aramco and Cognite, an industrial software services provider, recently partnered to launch CNTXT, a joint venture (JV) headquartered in Riyadh.

Abdullah Jarwan, the CEO of CNTXT, said the JV aims to “help public and private sector companies innovate faster, scale AI–driven solutions and turn data into value”.

The venture further provides an opportunity for companies to future-proof their data infrastructure, cut costs and minimise risks, while enhancing operational sustainability and security.

CNTXT is Google Cloud’s reseller for cloud solutions in the kingdom, and the exclusive reseller of Cognite Data Fusion in the MENA region, which allows it to leverage the “latest technologies and decades of expertise to help businesses grow and develop safely and securely,” said Google Cloud’s MD Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban.

Additionally, Google cloud is expected to launch a ‘Centre of Excellence’ later this year, to provide training to developers and business leaders on employing cloud technologies.

The launch of CNTXT signifies a major milestone in the collaboration between Aramco and Aker, the majority owner of Cognite. The partnership began in 2019, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding to develop synergies and share knowledge on industrial digitalisation and sustainability initiatives.

The venture, led by Abdullah Jarwan and a management team of local and international talent, hopes to become the top tech employer in Saudi Arabia.

Ahmad A Al-Sa’adi, Aramco’s SVP of Technical Services, said the JV aims to catalyse “the digitalisation of public and private sectors in the kingdom”.

Øyvind Eriksen, the president of Aker and chair of the Cognite board of directors, added: “CNTXT will be an important vehicle for driving profitability and sustainability of the kingdom’s industries through innovative use of technology. I look forward to seeing the company accelerate the digital transformation of the most important sectors in the region.”

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