Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) announced the winners of the “NEOM Challenge” on the second and final day of the Global AI Summit.

The challenge, which was part of the SDAAIA’s efforts to launch the full value of data as national wealth, sought to find pioneering innovative solutions to overcome a number of challenges in NEOM city.

In fulfillment of the aspirations of the Saudi Vision 2030 and global leadership in the fields of data and artificial intelligence, the "NEOM Challenge" aimed to increase artificial intelligence awareness, promote and encourage innovation, and build national capabilities.

The number of participants in the challenge exceeded 400 male and female students of various university levels, from 39 universities around the Kingdom.

The "NEOM Challenge" covered three vital areas: energy, entertainment, and transportation.

It offered over SR500,000 prizes for the top nine teams (top three in each track) who created innovative and sustainable solutions. At the final stage, participants showcased their projects before a committee with representatives from the Ministry of Education, SDAIA, and NEOM.

The winners from the energy track: SHAMS project from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, oil leakage detection using Al by Jeddah University students, and Renewable Energy Resources from the University of Hail.

The entertainment track winners are AI sports project from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, NEO Journey from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and Remote Reality Robot project from King Abdulaziz University.

In the transportation track, the winners are Barq Autonomous Multi UAV Delivery Service System by Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Smart Fleet Management project by Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University students, and Autonomous Transportation System from Islamic University of Madinah students.

NEOM city is expected to have the world’s largest renewable energy plant, through an integrated renewable energy generation system.