The 2nd FCI Conference, themed “From Data to Net Zero – AI-Driven Innovation for a Sustainable Saudi Cement Sector, opened on September 7, 2026 with an inspiring and highly engaging first day, bringing together 300+ participants from across the cement and technology ecosystem as delegates, speakers, exhibitors, and ePoster presenters. This day focused on a critical enabler of the cement industry’s transformation: turning data into actionable intelligence.
🤖 AI, Statistics & Machine Learning Masterclass – A structured, hands-on training day introduced participants to the fundamentals of:
• Statistics and data-driven decision making
• Machine learning foundations
• Supervised and unsupervised learning
• Neural networks and AI applications
• Practical applications using real cement plant data on AI Process Optimizer and Online Vibration Analysis
The masterclass was led through the combined expertise of hashtagKAUST, hashtagA³&Co., hashtagOptimitive, and hashtagFLENDER, connecting advanced AI and analytics with real-world challenges in cement manufacturing.
What made the day particularly valuable was the diversity of professionals in the room – bringing together expertise from across the entire cement value chain:
🔹 Vibration Engineers
🔹 Quality Engineers
🔹 Process Engineers
🔹 Kiln & Mill Operators
🔹 Planning Engineers
🔹 Finance & Supply Chain Professionals
🔹 Operational Excellence Teams
🔹 Automation & IT Specialists
By bringing these disciplines together, the conference is creating a platform where industrial knowledge, operational data, AI, and human expertise converge to accelerate the journey toward a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable Saudi cement industry.