Future Unlocked: How the Saudi AI & Edge Computing Hackathon 2025 is Powering Tomorrow’s Intelligent Systems

Riyadh’s Rising Technology Pulse 

In the vibrant heart of **Riyadh, Saudi Arabia**, the air buzzed with excitement as the *Saudi AI & Edge Computing Hackathon 2025* unfolded, hosted by **Prince Sultan University** in collaboration with **MemryX**. This wasn’t just another technology competition—it was a convergence of academia and industry, a whirlwind of creativity, and a living testament to Saudi Arabia’s surge toward becoming a major global tech hub.  

Over several days, the campus transformed into a fertile ground for innovation. Student teams from across the Kingdom demonstrated breakthrough applications in **artificial intelligence** and **edge computing**, tackling pressing challenges in healthcare, industrial automation, and public safety. Guided by seasoned mentors from MemryX and other leading organizations, these young innovators gained hands-on experience with edge-optimized hardware and software—turning abstract algorithms into tangible, life-changing solutions.  

The Heroes of Innovation

More than 15 passionate teams took center stage, each determined to make their mark on the future. The winners were not just recognized for their technical brilliance, but for their capacity to imagine and diligently create solutions that could reshape industries.  

**Winner – SurvAI**: Led by **Muddassir Khalidi, Ahmed Ammar, and Hamza**, this visionary solution integrated *facial recognition* and *NLP-based object detection*, enabling security systems to generate real-time reports with remarkable accuracy. Their reward? A cash prize and an exclusive internship at MemryX.  

**First Runner-Up – Qinspect**: Guided by **Tala Ismail AlOraini**, this platform could process *four high-resolution video streams simultaneously* with millisecond latency, revolutionizing real-time quality inspection.  

**Second Runner-Up – SiteGuard**: Led by **Muath Abdulaziz Almansour**, the autonomous drone system promised safer construction and industrial sites, tightening perimeter control and ensuring compliance.  

Innovation Award – Cano

Designed by **Raneem Jehad Abumoustafa**, this *Smart AI Cane* helps visually impaired users navigate independently, turning thoughtful design into practical empowerment.  

More Than Just a Hackathon

The event left a lasting impression not merely for its high-tech marvels, but for the spirit of collaboration it ignited. Dr. **Heba Alkhoshaim**, Vice President of Student Life at Prince Sultan University, put it beautifully: *“Innovation doesn’t just happen in Silicon Valley—it’s happening right here in Riyadh.”*  

Transitions between workshops, coding marathons, and live demonstrations flowed seamlessly, reflecting the vibrant ecosystem Saudi Arabia now fosters. This hackathon was proof that with the right support, creativity can bloom anywhere—and in this case, it bloomed in the midst of a city rapidly becoming a jewel of global tech advancement.  

The *Saudi AI & Edge Computing Hackathon 2025* was more than a competition—it was a blueprint for a future where Saudi Arabia stands tall as an innovation leader. With MemryX’s continued support and Prince Sultan University’s dedication, the Kingdom’s youth are not just dreaming big—they’re building the intelligent systems of tomorrow. 

Forging Power in the Desert: Hanwha Power Systems’ Bold Leap into Saudi Arabia’s Energy Future

A Landmark Agreement in the Heart of SPARK

On the 4th of the month, **Hanwha Power Systems signed a land lease agreement with SPARK** to build a cutting-edge compressor packaging and service center spanning approximately **11,600㎡** within **King Salman Energy Park (SPARK)** — a globally recognized hub for the energy industry, wholly owned by **Saudi Arabia's national oil company, ARAMCO**. This strategic development marks a significant milestone for the company, positioning it directly within Saudi Arabia’s thriving industrial ecosystem.  

Notably, the agreement was sealed at **ADIPEC 2025**, the world’s largest oil and gas exhibition currently captivating industry leaders in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Scheduled to break ground in the first quarter of 2026, the new facility aims for commercial operations by the first half of 2027. This ambitious timeline reflects Hanwha Power Systems’ determination to meet growing demand for compressors and related equipment in the **oil & gas, plant, and clean energy** sectors across the Middle East.  

Driving Innovation, Localization, and Growth

This deal perfectly aligns with the **Saudi government’s vision** of localizing the supply chain. By establishing a local facility, Hanwha Power Systems will not only ensure faster delivery and tailored solutions but also contribute to **job creation** and the development of skilled personnel within the Kingdom. Strengthening business competitiveness in the Middle East isn’t just about meeting demand — it’s about embedding innovation and service excellence where it’s needed most.  

As of the first half of 2025, Hanwha Power Systems has supplied over **9,000 units of compressors and industrial equipment** worldwide, with a significant portion operating in the Middle East. These machines are at work across varied sectors, from **carbon capture and utilization (CCUS)** to **air separation**. The new facility will offer **total care** for customer equipment, ensure timely delivery through localized packaging, and deepen partnerships with local oil & gas and power generation companies.  

Voices of Vision and Commitment

Soo-kyoung Kim, Head of AM Business Unit at Hanwha Power Systems, emphasized,  

> “Securing a foothold in the Middle East, where our major clients are concentrated, is essential for business expansion. We will ensure cost reduction, maximized efficiency, and stable operation throughout the lifecycle of the compressor equipment for local Middle Eastern clients.”  

Echoing these ambitions, Nabil Chaachou, Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at **SPARK**, highlighted,  

> “This agreement reflects SPARK’s commitment to attracting high-value industrial investments that advance the localization of the energy supply chain. Hanwha Power Systems’ new facility strengthens our ecosystem by enabling advanced manufacturing and service capabilities that will create jobs, drive technology transfer, and support sustainable growth in the Kingdom.”  

Powering Tomorrow’s Energy Landscape

Hanwha Power Systems’ leap into **King Salman Energy Park** is more than an infrastructure project — it’s a statement of intent, a pledge to merge global expertise with local opportunities. By positioning itself at the center of the Middle East’s energy revolution, Hanwha is setting the stage for a future where technology, sustainability, and localized industry meet to drive progress not only for Saudi Arabia but for the entire region.  

Gateway to Tomorrow: How the Future Minerals Forum and BMO Are Forging a New Era in Global Mineral Investment

In the heart of **Riyadh, Saudi Arabia**, a remarkable shift is underway in the global minerals sector. The **Future Minerals Forum (FMF)**, recognized as the world’s leading platform for shaping the future of minerals, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with **BMO**, the global leader in metals and mining investment banking. This collaboration transcends borders and ambitions, setting the stage for a more interconnected and sustainable mineral investment landscape.  

With the shared vision of driving global mineral development through strategic investment promotion, FMF and BMO are poised to bring unparalleled expertise to investors seeking new opportunities. As the industry faces rapid transformation fueled by technology, demand for critical minerals, and sustainability imperatives, this partnership is positioned to ignite meaningful dialogues and create actionable pathways, unlocking value in regions such as the **MENA** and the “Super Region” — spanning Africa, Western, and Central Asia.  

Building Bridges in the Global Mineral Landscape

The partnership, a first for FMF, was hailed by Ali Al-Mutairi — FMF’s Executive Director — as a historic milestone. His words underscored the forum’s mission: to connect investors, policymakers, and industry leaders not just in the region, but globally. This step ensures that both organizations will create lasting opportunities, enhancing sustainability and innovation in mineral development projects.  

Moreover, under the inspiring theme **"Gateway to Funding"**, FMF will host exclusive elements to elevate the investor experience. From *closed-door mining investment journey sessions* led by BMO — mapping the entire mineral value chain from exploration to processing — to investor-focused presentations by major mining companies, FMF will provide attendees with rare, direct engagement with industry decision-makers.  

Riyadh 2026 – The Stage for Transformation

Scheduled from **January 13 to 15, 2026**, the Future Minerals Forum will transform Riyadh into the epicenter of global mineral investment discussions. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with innovators, financiers, and key stakeholders convening under one roof to discuss not only capital access, but also strategies for sustainable growth within the sector.  

Transitioning from previous editions, FMF 2026 will serve as a **gateway for international cooperation**. Whether it’s a regional entrepreneur looking for mining partnerships or an institutional investor seeking to diversify portfolios, the forum promises a wealth of resources, connections, and actionable insights. This carefully curated combination of high-level strategy, investor engagement, and expert knowledge sharing reflects FMF’s dedication to shaping the future of minerals.  

In a world hungry for resources but conscious of environmental impact, the FMF-BMO partnership signals a new era of collaboration — one where opportunities are abundant, sustainability is a priority, and every handshake could spark the next big chapter in mineral development.  

Interested in being part of history? [Register now for FMF 2026](https://registration.futuremineralsforum.com/e/9ee6d849-04bf-4671-837f-b32ca68b2d74/a/9ee6d849-086b-48d1-98c0-524e5a0494cf) before the gateway opens!