Prince Sultan University Celebrates Innovation At Saudi AI And Edge Computing Hackathon 2025

Prince Sultan University recently wrapped up the Saudi AI and Edge Computing Hackathon in Riyadh. This event, held with NEOM and MemryX, celebrated the creativity and technical skills of Saudi students. Over two days, 15 university teams from across the Kingdom competed for awards in four categories, with a total prize pool of SAR45,000.

The hackathon provided a platform for students to present solutions aimed at enhancing sustainability in various sectors. Presentations spanned topics like healthcare applications and industrial automation, showcasing AI and edge computing's potential to tackle real-world issues.

Dr. Heba Alkhoshaim, Vice President of Student Life at Prince Sultan University, opened the event by highlighting innovation's role in advancing Saudi Vision 2030. She stated: "You have proven that Riyadh is at the forefront of innovation. At Prince Sultan University, we relentlessly advocate for the innovative adoption of transformational technology — in classrooms, labs, and late-night brainstorming sessions fueled by passion and purpose."

The hackathon emphasized collaboration between academia and industry. Participants received mentorship from leading organizations like NEOM and MemryX, gaining insights that bridged academic learning with industry application.

Keith Kressin, CEO of MemryX, stressed empowering young innovators: "At MemryX, we believe the future of AI innovation lies in the hands of young developers who can think creatively and apply technology to solve real-world problems. This hackathon embodies that vision by bringing together students, industry partners, and forward-looking institutions like Prince Sultan University and NEOM to shape the next generation of edge-AI talent. We’re proud to support this initiative and are inspired by the ingenuity and ambition we have witnessed."

Peter Watson from NEOM highlighted how these students are paving the way for an exciting future: "Empowering the next generation of innovators is essential to realizing Saudi Arabia’s ambition. By fostering creativity and technical excellence, we are building the foundation for a world-class AI ecosystem. The Kingdom’s commitment to generating significant AI-related investments underscores national plans to scale infrastructure and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for innovation. Initiatives like this hackathon harmonize academic talent with industry expertise, ensuring that bold ideas translate into transformative solutions for the future."

Commitment to Research

Prince Sultan University supports students through various research initiatives in technology and artificial intelligence. The university attracts top researchers globally and collaborates with advanced research labs. The 2025 Saudi AI and Edge Computing Hackathon reflects its dedication to fostering innovation and preparing students as leaders in the global digital economy.

With inputs from SPA