The National IT Academy (NITA) has officially launched the first training programme under its Space Academy initiative, starting with a specialised course in Earth Observation (EO). The inaugural cohort is composed of Saudi nationals and marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between NITA and Serco aimed at developing the Kingdom’s future space workforce in line with Vision 2030.
Strategic Partnership Supporting Vision 2030
The Space Academy programme reflects the shared commitment of NITA and Serco to strengthening national capabilities, fostering innovation, and investing in Saudi talent. Through targeted, high-impact training, the initiative supports Vision 2030 objectives by building expertise in strategic, high-growth sectors within the space industry.
Participants from Neo Space Group
The first cohort includes 20 professionals from Neo Space Group (NSG), representing multiple departments across the organisation. This diverse group highlights the growing demand for space-related skills across different business functions and underscores NSG’s focus on developing in-house technical capabilities.

Hands-On Earth Observation Training
Delivered over five days by Serco’s subject-matter experts, the EO programme combines theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on training. Participants are being equipped with the skills needed to access, analyse, and interpret Earth Observation imagery and value-added data products, enabling real-world applications across both civil and commercial sectors.
Future Space Academy Programmes
Building on the EO module, future Space Academy programmes will expand into additional critical domains, including remote sensing, satellite communications and ground segment operations (SATCOM), positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), and cybersecurity. These programmes aim to create a comprehensive pipeline of space-related skills tailored to national priorities.
NITA: Developing National Technical Capabilities
Commenting on the launch, Nora Al Shaikh, Executive Director of NITA, said the Space Academy demonstrates the academy’s commitment to developing highly skilled Saudi professionals in strategic sectors. She noted that the applied, practice-oriented nature of the programme supports national priorities and contributes to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s technical and space ecosystem through collaboration with Serco and industry partners.
Serco: Delivering Future-Ready Space Skills
Amar Vora, Head of Space for Serco Middle East, described the delivery of the first programme as a key milestone for the Space Academy. He emphasized that aligning the training with Vision 2030 helps build national capability and equips Saudi professionals with the skills required to support the Kingdom’s expanding space ambitions, while creating long-term value through practical, industry-focused learning.

Neo Space Group: Investing in Internal Talent
Moutaz Mashhour, Chief Human Resources Officer at Neo Space Group, highlighted that developing internal technical talent is central to the company’s growth strategy. He expressed pride in NSG’s participation in the inaugural cohort, noting that the Earth Observation programme and future modules will provide hands-on expertise essential for advancing Saudi Arabia’s space ambitions.
Building a Sustainable Space Workforce
Through the Space Academy, NITA and Serco are laying the foundation for a sustainable, highly skilled national space workforce. The initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation, knowledge transfer, and long-term capability building within the global space sector.
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التكنولوجيا وأخبارها بوابة مصر لأخبار تكنولوجيا المعلومات والإتصالات وفي أفريقيا كما تعتبر مصدر رئيسي للمعلومات حول تكنولوجيا المعلومات والاتصالات والفرص الاستثمارية المرتبطة بالاقتصاد الرقمي في المنطقة بالكامل