May 06, 2025

Solution Hackathon: Innovation in Action

Students from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), in collaboration with students from University College London (UCL), successfully concluded the Solution Hackathon. This dynamic competition united outstanding participants to develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.

Held on May 4, 2025, the hackathon saw impressive participation, with over 500 students submitting more than 185 creative ideas across three key themes: Digital Healthcare, STEM Education, and Campus Life Innovation.

A total of 55 teams advanced to the mentoring stage, supported by over 30 mentors from academia and industry. This stage helped participants refine their ideas and prepare for the final presentations.

The Grand Finale featured the top six teams (20 students) who showcased their projects in front of a panel of six judges—three from KFUPM and three from UCL—joined by deans, faculty, students, and guests. The projects were evaluated based on creativity, feasibility, impact, and scalability.

The winning teams were:

• First Place: A KFUPM team, recognized for their innovative and practical solution.

• Second & Third Places: Two UCL teams were praised for their interdisciplinary collaboration and creative execution.

Dr. Turki Baroud, Dean of Global Engagement at KFUPM, opened the event with remarks on the importance of global collaboration and preparing students to become future leaders, expressing pride in the dedication of all participants.

The atmosphere throughout the event was filled with excitement and pride, celebrating not only the winners but all teams, mentors, and organizers who contributed to the hackathon’s success.

The Solution Hackathon is an inspiring example of international academic collaboration, demonstrating the power of youth-driven innovation to shape a better future.