Japanese open-source self-driving start-up TIER IV has signed an MoU with Saudi Arabian digital services and autonomous mobility developer Elm. The two companies will collaborate on development of sovereign autonomous mobility and implement autonomous driving solutions in Saudi Arabia. The partnership will also focus on growing local engineering talents.

Elm has a track record in developing sovereign technologies for smart and autonomous mobility in the Middle East. TIER IV has developed and operated autonomous mobility based on the open-source Autoware platform in Japan.

Both companies will work on developing scalable autonomous vehicle deployments for diverse use cases across Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has formulated a long-term plan aimed at economic and social transformation called Saudi Vision 2030, with a focus on diversifying its economy. Key initiatives include fostering talent in the private sector, creating employment opportunities, and improving quality of life. Among its objectives, Saudi Arabia aims to make 15% of public transportation autonomous by 2030.

TIER IV and Elm are exploring opportunities for autonomous mobility services and the development of local engineering talent in Saudi Arabia under a Japanese government-backed initiative overseen by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

TIER IV will work with Elm to promote new mobility services such as robotaxis, adapted to local driving environments and regulations in Saudi Arabia.

It will also develop local engineering talent via Autoware-based training programmes for academic and research institutions in Saudi Arabia, as well as through autonomous driving competitions.

“At TIER IV, we have dedicated ourselves to accelerating the deployment of autonomous driving with Autoware, collaborating with partners worldwide,” said Shinpei Kato, founder and CEO of TIER IV. “This new partnership with Elm, a leader in digital transformation services in Saudi Arabia, will advance the localisation of innovative autonomous technology and nurture engineering talent with skills adapted to Saudi Arabia’s specific needs, ultimately supporting local communities. From Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai to Expo 2030 Riyadh, we are thrilled to undertake this joint endeavor amidst growing international cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia.”

Majid bin Saad Alarifi, official spokesperson and Executive Vice President of Marketing at Elm, emphasised that the memorandum reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening the Kingdom’s position in smart mobility technologies. He explained “Our collaboration with TIER IV represents a qualitative step toward introducing and localising world-class solutions that serve our national priorities, while investing in developing Saudi engineering capabilities and developing an innovation system capable of enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life. This partnership positions the Kingdom at the forefront of the global autonomous mobility industry”.