StartSmart Saudi, supported by Neighborhood Jameel Saudi Basis, concluded the College Problem initiative held in partnership with 5 Saudi universities: King Abdulaziz College, College of Jeddah, Effat College, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic College, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman College. The initiative aimed to empower college college students to rework their technical concepts into AI-powered prototypes by means of a sensible expertise, combining learning-by-doing, mentorship, and technical improvement.
The College Problem program launched final September, when the 5 taking part universities nominated 50 scholar groups to participate in intensive bootcamps held in Riyadh and Jeddah. This was adopted by a semi-final qualification section that chosen 15 excellent scholar groups to endure a full month of devoted mentorship and follow-up. Lastly, the nationwide finals section arrived, throughout which members introduced their prototypes, reflecting the abilities they acquired in constructing tech merchandise and leveraging AI instruments to develop options tailor-made to person wants and market calls for.
This system relied on a hands-on studying methodology, the place members labored from day one on creating their concepts and turning them into showcase-ready, testable prototypes. This was achieved by means of an intensive coaching setting that bridged entrepreneurial and technical facets, fostering systematic considering, solution-building, and teamwork capabilities. On the closing occasion, three high groups have been topped and awarded prizes and advantages valued at SAR 10,000, in recognition of their mission excellence and prototype high quality.
Commenting on this event, Mr. Mohammed Abdulgaffar, a Director at Neighborhood Jameel Saudi Basis, commented: “The College Problem succeeded in delivering an built-in sensible expertise, permitting college students to transition from idea improvement to constructing prototypes that replicate their capability for innovation and their adept utilization of AI and superior applied sciences. The caliber of the taking part tasks underscores the immense potential of Saudi youth and highlights the very important want for specialised packages that grant them the chance to refine their concepts in an setting combining studying, utility, and mentorship; finally shaping a brand new era of tech entrepreneurs geared up to contribute to the Kingdom’s digital financial system.”
For his half, Dr. Hassan Al-Shehri, Vice Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at King Abdulaziz College, acknowledged throughout his tackle on the ceremony: “The College Problem introduced collectively a various vary of intellects from totally different universities and tutorial disciplines. Regardless of these variations, their work spanned subjects starting from human-centric points to service and design options. Whereas their pathways assorted, they converged round a noble goal: making information impactful and using innovation as a car to enhance and improve human life. Moreover, concerted efforts and strategic partnerships yield far larger influence than particular person endeavors. Therefore, at King Abdulaziz College, we take immense pleasure in our impactful partnership with our strategic associate, Neighborhood Jameel Saudi.”
Through the occasion, the three successful groups of the inaugural version of the College Problem have been introduced. Staff “Orion” from the College of Jeddah secured first place for his or her clever platform pushed by AI brokers, designed to help entrepreneurs in speaking with producers, choosing dependable suppliers and factories for retailer setup, and streamlining provide chain administration. Second place went to crew “Ejaz” from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic College, which developed a wise facility administration system linking beneficiaries, technicians, and facility house owners to course of and analyze facility upkeep reviews by way of Telegram utilizing good agent know-how. Lastly, crew “Manasak” took third place with a mission that generates digital twins to simulate and take a look at operational crowd administration plans in the course of the Hajj season, making certain sooner decision-making and a secure pilgrimage.
On the conclusion of the ceremony, the launch of the second version of the College Problem for 2027 was introduced. It is going to broaden to incorporate a bigger variety of universities throughout the Kingdom, persevering with the joint dedication of Neighborhood Jameel Saudi Basis and StartSmart Saudi to empower entrepreneurs, help the tech entrepreneurship ecosystem, and foster a tradition of innovation amongst college college students, in alignment with Saudi Imaginative and prescient 2030 targets to develop nationwide expertise, spur fashionable know-how adoption, and construct a knowledge- and innovation-based financial system.
