SLB wins seven-year KOC innovation contract focused on AI, production optimization
(WO) — SLB has been awarded a seven-year contract by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) under the Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative, supporting the deployment of advanced technologies across the country's upstream oil and gas sector.
The agreement makes SLB the first technology partner selected under KOC's flagship innovation program, which is designed to accelerate applied research, digital transformation and technology deployment through collaboration among industry, academia and research organizations.
Under the contract, SLB will work with KOC on nearly 100 technology projects spanning artificial intelligence (AI), industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, production optimization, reservoir technologies, water management and energy transition initiatives.
"The energy industry has no shortage of technology. The challenge is deploying it at scale and turning innovation into operational impact," said Olivier Le Peuch, chief executive officer of SLB. "Ahmadi Innovation Valley brings together technology providers, researchers and operational teams to accelerate the evaluation, deployment and scaling of new solutions across KOC's operations."
As part of the agreement, SLB plans to establish a dedicated Ahmadi Innovation Valley facility in Kuwait. Construction is expected to begin this year, with the center scheduled to open in 2028.
KOC said the initiative is intended to strengthen technology deployment, expand knowledge transfer and develop local technical capabilities while supporting Kuwait's long-term upstream development strategy.
The award builds on more than 85 years of collaboration between SLB and KOC and marks a significant expansion of their technology partnership.
