Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, represented by the Artificial Intelligence Center at the College of Computer and Information Sciences, in collaboration with Elm, a leading digital solutions company, has announced the launch of the first edition of the “Zakathon” hackathon and opened registration for students and graduates. This pioneering event aims to stimulate innovation and develop advanced technological solutions using artificial intelligence techniques specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP) for the Arabic language. Registration will continue until March 5th.
National vision and strategic context
The launch of the “Zakathon” hackathon comes at a crucial time, as the world and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia undergo rapid digital transformation. This initiative aligns directly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places innovation and technology at the heart of its strategy to diversify the economy and build a vibrant knowledge-based society. Hackathons are vital platforms for discovering and honing young talent, providing a competitive environment that encourages the transformation of creative ideas into tangible projects that serve society and contribute to economic growth.
The initiative also gains special importance as it focuses on empowering women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), which is in line with Princess Noura University’s role as the largest women’s university in the world, and its continuous endeavor to qualify national female talents capable of leading the technological future of the Kingdom.
The importance of supporting artificial intelligence for the Arabic language
Arabic digital content faces significant challenges in the field of artificial intelligence, particularly concerning the syntactic complexities of the language. The importance of “Zakathon” lies in its focus on this vital area, as it seeks to encourage the development of solutions that support the Arabic language and enhance its presence in the digital world. Developing advanced Arabic language models and smart applications will open up vast opportunities in multiple sectors, such as education, healthcare, tourism, and government services, thereby improving the quality of services provided to Arabic-speaking citizens, residents, and visitors both locally and regionally.
Hackathon objectives and its various paths
The hackathon aims to achieve several strategic goals, most notably encouraging innovation in artificial intelligence technologies, discovering promising talents and integrating them into the research and development ecosystem, and enriching Arabic smart content. To achieve this, the hackathon focuses on diverse tracks that address vital sectors in the Kingdom, including Hajj and Umrah, education, law, tourism, culture, and health.
The hackathon is divided into two main phases: the first phase involves formulating ideas and identifying problems, while the second phase focuses on transforming these ideas into viable prototypes. Throughout these phases, participants will receive intensive support through specialized workshops, mentoring sessions, and technical assistance from industry experts, culminating in the final judging and project presentation phase.
Empowering competencies towards a sustainable impact
In this context, Dr. Shrouq Al-Sinan, Director of the College's Artificial Intelligence Center, explained that "launching the 'Zakathon' hackathon represents a significant step forward for the center, empowering students and graduates to transform knowledge into impactful technological solutions." She added that this initiative is part of the college's efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships, support research and innovation, and contribute to developing national talent capable of utilizing modern technologies to address societal challenges.
