Registration is now open for the Noura Hackathon to promote a culture of innovation
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center has announced the opening of registration for the “Nourah Hackathon,” a prominent event aimed at empowering university students and those interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. The hackathon focuses on vital tracks including technology, design, and artificial intelligence, and registration will remain open until March 1st, offering a unique opportunity for innovators to develop their skills and transform their ideas into real-world projects.
Background and significance of the event in the context of Vision 2030
The launch of the Noura Hackathon comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive economic and social transformation under the leadership of Vision 2030, which places innovation and youth at the heart of its objectives. Hackathons are vital platforms for accelerating innovation, bringing together creative minds in a competitive yet collaborative environment to solve specific challenges within a short timeframe. Princess Noura University, as the largest women's university in the world, plays a pivotal role in empowering women and youth to contribute effectively to building a knowledge-based economy, and this event aligns with national initiatives to support digital transformation and develop future-oriented skills.
Expected impact and strategic objectives
The hackathon aims to equip participants with essential design thinking and social entrepreneurship skills, focusing on leveraging artificial intelligence as a supportive tool at all stages of innovation, from understanding challenges to developing initial solutions. The event is expected to stimulate institutional innovation both within and beyond the university, promote active citizenship, and build a sustainable community of innovators. Locally, the hackathon will enrich the Kingdom's entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing it with new ideas and projects that could evolve into successful startups.
Integrated programs and diverse pathways
The hackathon includes a comprehensive package of activities and programs, including virtual camps, training and mentoring workshops, and specialized sessions with mentors and experts in various fields. These programs are designed to connect participants with academics and professionals, with the participation of several strategic partners, thus strengthening Saudi Arabia's presence in the creative sector and ensuring a holistic learning experience.
Four main paths to address the challenges
The hackathon addresses four main areas of challenges, which are:
- Technology field: Focuses on designing smart solutions to improve on-campus delivery services.
- Health and Education Sector: Aims to provide innovative educational and technological solutions to promote equality in learning opportunities and access to health content.
- Cultural Field: It seeks to activate the diverse cultures of the Kingdom's regions within the university to promote national identity and belonging.
- Environmental field: It focuses on developing solutions that contribute to reducing waste on campus and promoting sustainable environmental behavior.
“Noura Hackathon” is an integrated educational innovation platform that transforms participants’ ideas into practical, real-world solutions through a unique experience that combines design thinking, teamwork, and open innovation to address real challenges within the university.
