King Abdulaziz University (KAU), in collaboration with its strategic partner, the Ministry of
Transport and Logistic Services, launched the Prototyping Hackathon, a four-day event held
under the patronage of Dr. Mohammed bin Reda Kabli, Vice President for Educational
Affairs. The hackathon began on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the King Faisal Conference
Center, with the participation of 120 male and female competitors forming 28 teams from
universities across Saudi Arabia.
Participants are competing across four tracks: healthcare, safety and security, transport and
vehicles, and innovative solutions.
The hackathon is a technology-focused initiative that brings together programming,
modeling, and electrical engineering, providing participants with an opportunity to
transform ideas into innovative prototypes. It aims to link academic knowledge with
practical application, develop participants’ technical and creative skills, and offer a platform
for presenting ideas to investors and relevant stakeholders.
Day One – Design Thinking
The first day focused on design thinking, during which participants were introduced to the
hackathon’s objectives, structure, and awards. A workshop titled “From Idea to Product”
was held, addressing problem identification and methods for improving user experience.
Day Two – Prototyping and System Analysis
On the second day, teams worked on developing and testing initial prototypes to reach
viable early-stage solutions. A workshop titled “From Black Box to Glass Box” explored
system analysis, defining components, inputs, and features to enhance design quality and
sustainability. Another workshop addressed manufacturing processes in startups,
highlighting production stages, methodologies, and real-world examples.
Day Three – Entrepreneurship and Marketing
The third day of the hackathon will focus on entrepreneurship and marketing, featuring a
workshop titled “Pitch Like a Pro.” The session will cover brand building, storytelling
techniques, and effective presentation skills to help teams deliver impactful pitches and
define product direction. In addition, a panel discussion will be held on entrepreneurial
experiences in the manufacturing sector, showcasing startup journeys and the challenges
faced by founders.
