We’re proud to present a new interview as part of our Saudi Startup Success Stories series, created in partnership with StartupBlink and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP). This series highlights visionary founders building globally competitive companies while advancing Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving technology and industrial innovation landscape.

This conversation features DR. Ahmed Althuhaibi, Founder of PIESCO (Pioneers of Industry for Electronic Systems), a Saudi electronics engineering and manufacturing company supporting the localization of advanced electronic products, PCB assembly, product development, and lifecycle extension for critical industrial systems. With a background spanning software engineering, IT leadership, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Ahmed’s journey into electronics manufacturing reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing ambition to build local industrial capabilities at the heart of Vision 2030.

Could you tell us about your background and what inspired you to build PIESCO?

My background is in software engineering and information technology. I graduated with a degree in Computer Science and started my career as a programmer. Later, I worked at Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and then joined Saudi Airlines, where I built the IT department from scratch and served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for more than 12 years.

After that, I moved into entrepreneurship, developing a mobile grocery application and later working as a consultant in digital transformation for the Ministry of Sport.

During this period, I became increasingly interested in industry and manufacturing. The Saudi government was placing significant emphasis on industrial development, and I saw an opportunity in electronics manufacturing. Together with a colleague who has deep expertise in electronics engineering, we launched PIESCO in 2024.

We initially started as an engineering services company and later expanded into manufacturing after participating in industry support programs and recognizing the growing opportunity for local electronics production in Saudi Arabia.

What services does PIESCO provide?

PIESCO operates in three main areas:

1. Electronics Manufacturing Services We design printed circuit boards (PCBs), source the boards, assemble electronic components, perform programming and calibration, and deliver finished products to our customers. We also provide complete product manufacturing services. If a customer has a product concept, we can handle the entire process from design review to manufacturing and delivery.
2. Engineering Services Many customers come to us with ideas but no technical implementation. We work closely with them to transform those ideas into functional products by designing complete hardware and software solutions and developing prototypes. We also help companies improve existing products, add new features, and adapt products to operate effectively in Saudi Arabia’s environmental conditions.
3. Maintenance and Lifecycle Extension Services Many large organizations rely on equipment that has become obsolete or unsupported by the original manufacturer. In these situations, we provide maintenance services and, when necessary, perform reverse engineering to recreate electronic components and spare parts. This allows customers to extend the operational life of critical systems and infrastructure. Our customers include large organizations such as utilities, transportation operators, and industrial companies where replacing entire systems would be costly and impractical.

Why do you believe now is the right time to build an electronics manufacturing company in Saudi Arabia?

The timing is closely connected to Saudi Vision 2030 and the country’s industrial transformation strategy. Ten years ago, the ecosystem was not yet mature enough for this type of venture. Today, the government has clear industrial objectives and substantial support programs designed to increase local manufacturing capabilities.

The Ministry of Industry has ambitious plans to significantly expand the number of factories operating in Saudi Arabia by 2035. At the same time, major global manufacturers are increasingly looking at Saudi Arabia as a strategic manufacturing and logistics hub.

Electronics are at the center of nearly every modern industry. Almost every product now contains electronic components, so we believe this is the right moment to establish local capabilities in electronics engineering and manufacturing.

How has your engagement with NTDP supported your journey?

We first learned about NTDP through the Ministry of Industry. They encouraged us to explore available support programs for technology companies. After registering and engaging with the ecosystem, we became involved with NTDP initiatives and began developing one of our key products—a communication module that includes both hardware and software developed entirely in Saudi Arabia. NTDP recognized the potential of the project and provided valuable support as we advanced our product development efforts.

What innovation and R&D projects are you currently working on?

Research and development are central to our business.

One of our most important projects is the development of a communication module designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, medical devices, and industrial systems. We developed both the hardware and software internally and own the complete intellectual property behind the product.

We are also exploring patent opportunities and intellectual property protection related to this technology. In addition, we are developing educational electronics learning kits and are working with universities to introduce these solutions into academic environments.

Another major focus is helping companies localize products that were previously designed and manufactured abroad. Many organizations want to bring production to Saudi Arabia but lack access to the original design knowledge. We help them redesign and localize those products for domestic manufacturing.

What has been the biggest milestone for PIESCO so far?

We have achieved several important milestones in a relatively short period of time. When international partners visited us only a few months ago, our manufacturing facility was still under development. Recently, they saw photographs of the completed facility and were surprised by how quickly we had progressed.

Today, we have established our engineering team, operational manufacturing capabilities, prototype development services, and multiple localization agreements with major Saudi organizations, including Saudi Railways.

Building these capabilities from the ground up and seeing them become operational has been one of our proudest achievements.

What excites you most about the future of Saudi Arabia’s startup and technology ecosystem?

What excites me most is the long-term potential.

Today, we are focused on PCB assembly and electronics manufacturing, but in the future, we hope to contribute to more advanced semiconductor-related activities.

While semiconductors may not be a near-term objective, we believe Saudi Arabia has the potential to gradually develop capabilities in increasingly advanced areas of electronics and technology manufacturing. The ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and we want to be part of that journey.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia?

My advice is simple: Start.

Study the market carefully and understand how your business will create value. Ask yourself why customers would choose your product or service and what problem you are solving for them.

Once you have clarity, start gradually. Build step by step and learn from every stage of the journey. Entrepreneurs should also take advantage of the many enablers available in Saudi Arabia today. Organizations such as the Ministry of Industry, NTDP, and other government initiatives provide valuable support that can accelerate growth.

Finally, have faith, stay committed to your vision, and continue moving forward with patience and determination.

Closing Remarks

Dr. Ahmed’s journey reflects the growing momentum behind Saudi Arabia’s industrial and technology transformation. Through PIESCO, he is helping build local capabilities in electronics engineering, manufacturing, and product development while contributing to the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 objectives.