Global energy technology company SLB has been awarded a seven-year contract by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) under the Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative, reinforcing a long-standing partnership focused on accelerating technology adoption and innovation across Kuwait’s upstream energy sector. The agreement will see SLB support KOC in advancing applied research, digital transformation and technology deployment programmes aligned with Kuwait’s long-term energy strategy. The collaboration covers nearly 100 projects spanning artificial intelligence (AI), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), reservoir technologies, production optimisation, water management and energy transition initiatives.
Ahmadi Innovation Valley serves as KOC’s flagship innovation platform, bringing together technology companies, academic institutions and research organisations to develop and commercialise advanced solutions for the country’s oil and gas industry. The initiative is designed to address technical challenges while strengthening local capabilities and promoting knowledge transfer.
As part of the contract, SLB will work closely with KOC to evaluate, pilot and deploy emerging technologies across multiple operational areas. The programme is intended to create a structured framework for testing innovative solutions and accelerating their adoption at field scale.
Commenting on the partnership, Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Oil Company, said the Ahmadi Innovation Valley initiative represents an important milestone in strengthening Kuwait’s technology leadership in the energy sector. He noted that collaboration with global technology partners will help accelerate innovation, develop local expertise and expand knowledge-sharing opportunities that support the country’s future energy ambitions.
Olivier Le Peuch, Chief Executive Officer of SLB, said the energy industry already possesses a wide range of advanced technologies, but the greater challenge lies in deploying them efficiently to deliver measurable operational value. He said the Ahmadi Innovation Valley programme provides an effective platform to evaluate, scale and implement new technologies while strengthening local technical capabilities and supporting the development of future engineering talent in Kuwait.
A key component of the agreement is the establishment of a dedicated Ahmadi Innovation Valley facility by SLB in Kuwait. Construction of the centre is expected to begin during 2026, with operations scheduled to commence in 2028. The facility will support technology development, research activities, testing programmes and collaborative innovation initiatives between SLB and KOC.
The latest contract further strengthens a relationship that spans more than 85 years between the two organisations. Over the decades, SLB has supported Kuwait Oil Company through advanced technologies, engineering expertise and digital solutions aimed at improving operational performance and resource management.
Operating in more than 100 countries, SLB develops technologies for the oil and gas industry while expanding its capabilities in digital solutions, industrial decarbonisation and emerging energy systems. The new agreement with Kuwait Oil Company reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting energy innovation, operational excellence and sustainable industry development across the Middle East.
