Jan 29, 2025

Team Led by KFUPM Student Wins 1st Place in the Diwan Al-Ibtikar Competition

A team of four young innovators, led by Lama Al-Harbi, a chemical engineering student at KFUPM, has secured first place in the Diwan Al-Ibtikar Competition, a national entrepreneurship program under the Misk Foundation. In addition to this remarkable achievement, the team also won the People's Choice Award for their groundbreaking project, "Zillak" a mobile application designed to support children with autism and developmental disorders in Saudi Arabia.

The competition featured over 3,000 entrepreneurial ideas from across the Kingdom, with participants going through multiple rounds, including video submissions, personal interviews, virtual and in-person boot camps, and final jury evaluations. The top five projects were selected by a distinguished panel of experts in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Reflecting on this achievement, Lama Al- Harbi highlighted the crucial role of KFUPM in supporting her entrepreneurial journey: "King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has been instrumental in shaping my approach to problem-solving and innovation. The university fosters a strong culture of research and entrepreneurship, providing students with the resources, mentorship, and encouragement needed to turn ideas into impactful solutions".