This week marks the third annual Artificial Intelligence Hackathon, organized by the Social Responsibility Association (SRA) in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The event, which runs until Thursday at the KAUST campus in Thuwal, brings together 73 creative participants from regions across the Kingdom. 

Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the SRA board of directors, said the hackathon’s third edition is an extension of the association’s community-based programs implemented under the patronage of H.R.H. Princess Hissah bint Salman bin Abdulaziz, honorary president of the Social Responsibility Association. 

Al-Subaie praised the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, represented by the National Center for the Nonprofit Sector (NCNP), for supporting the association’s mission. He also commended KAUST for hosting the event and collaborating with the SRA to advance social responsibility initiatives. 

Dr. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Angari, acting chief executive officer of the SRA, said the hackathon has attracted 73 participants from across the Kingdom. He noted that the event aims to deliver 14 high-impact social projects in technology and innovation while promoting investment in the tech sector and helping programmers and technologists develop their projects and integrate them into the labor market. 

Through its programs, Al-Angari said, the SRA seeks to align with Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing digital entrepreneurship. He noted that the hackathon comprises four tracks: social, housing, tourism, and education. The association aims to provide participants with an encouraging, value-added environment to produce innovative digital solutions suited to current and future needs, he added. 

Al-Angari said that invitations were extended to universities throughout the Kingdom to encourage student participation, with valuable prizes awarded to the top three winners and gifts for all participants. 

Dr. Ian Campbell, senior vice president of the National Transformation Institute (NTI) at KAUST, said: “This hackathon reflects the spirit of entrepreneurship that KAUST seeks to foster by supporting Saudi innovators in transforming their ideas into scalable solutions that serve society. We are delighted to host this event at the Olayan Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, where we work to provide an environment that brings together tech talent and investment opportunities to accelerate ideas into national impact.”  

Maha Aldubaiyan, director of Social and Community Development at KAUST, added that hosting this event aligns with the University’s efforts to empower local communities to use technology and innovation to find sustainable solutions to social challenges. She said the collaboration with the SRA embodies KAUST’s commitment to transferring knowledge and innovation into society and inspiring youth creativity in artificial intelligence.