Osaka, September 24, 2025 –
In conjunction with the official visit to Japan led by H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Saudi Minister of Investment, Elm, a pioneer in digital solutions and smart mobility in Saudi Arabia, announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TIER IV, the Japanese deep-tech company pioneering open-source software for autonomous driving. The agreement aims to accelerate the development and localization of autonomous mobility technologies in the Kingdom, reinforcing its position as a hub for innovation and aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The MoU reflects Elm's commitment to strengthening its role as a key partner in building a national ecosystem for smart mobility by leveraging TIER IV's proven expertise in deploying autonomous vehicles in Japan, alongside Elm's advanced capabilities in developing localized digital solutions. This collaboration is expected to speed up the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles across diverse environments in Saudi Arabia, while fostering the training and development of Saudi engineering talent in this rapidly evolving field.
Shinpei Kato, Founder and CEO of TIER IV, commented: “At TIER IV, we have dedicated ourselves to accelerating the deployment of autonomous driving through Autoware in collaboration with global partners. This new partnership with Elm will help localize innovative technologies tailored to Saudi Arabia's needs and advance the development of engineering talent, ultimately serving local communities. From Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai to Expo 2030 Riyadh, we are excited to embark on this joint endeavor amidst growing international cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia."
Majed bin Saad Al Arifi, Spokesperson and Executive Vice President of Marketing at Elm, emphasized that the MoU highlights Elm's commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia's leadership in smart mobility technologies, stating: “Our collaboration with TIER IV represents a strategic milestone in bringing world-class autonomous mobility solutions to the Kingdom and localizing them in line with our national priorities. It also reflects our investment in nurturing Saudi engineering capabilities and developing an innovation ecosystem that enhances efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life. This partnership positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global autonomous mobility landscape."
This collaboration builds on Autoware, the world's first open-source software for autonomous driving, which serves as a global reference platform for the development of robotaxis, smart shuttles, and autonomous robots. The MoU represents a strategic step that underscores Saudi Arabia's role as a regional hub for future technologies and highlights Elm's pivotal contribution to driving digital transformation and developing smart mobility solutions locally, opening new horizons for investment and innovation in this promising sector.