Renowned Saudi Arabian scientist, Dr Hayat Sindi, came to us with the ambition to translate her passion for science and social innovation into a solution for unemployment in the Middle East. Despite substantial government investment in education and training, roughly 43% of 20–24 year olds are still unemployed. With nearly 40% of the Arab population being 18 years old or younger, the region needs a solution that’s both sustainable and scalable.

The name boldly expresses a formula for innovation and self-realization—imagination activated by ingenuity. The Middle-Eastern origin and universal relevance of i2’s mission is expressed by an Arabic-inspired logo created with roman characters, and a verbal system employing Arabic and English integrated with the i2 name. The strong, vibrant colour palette expresses optimism, the diversity of minds i2 hopes to attract, and a spectrum of opportunity for the youth, for the country, and for the region.

Since announcing i2, the institute has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. i2 has been heeding the strong responses and voices of the youth, while Dr Sindi has been meeting with potential investors around the world, from private and corporate donors, to the Saudi government, as well as institutional and educational partners, some of whom, like us, will sit on i2’s board of directors. An action plan has been created, and a business plan is in development with help from i2’s partner network, leading up to a formal launch in Saudi Arabia in the fall of 2012.