SDAIA, ITU, and ICAIRE Invite University Students in Saudi Arabia and around the World to Join the AI Readiness Hackathon
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), has invited university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and around the world to register for and participate in the AI Readiness Hackathon. The hackathon aims to empower a new generation of innovators and researchers and enhance their readiness to develop innovative solutions that contribute to building a future better prepared for AI technologies. The initiative comes as part of international efforts to support responsible innovation and build capacity in this field.
The AI Readiness Hackathon seeks to develop practical solutions that employ AI technologies across four key sectors: education, health, agriculture, and finance. Participants will work on innovative applications designed to improve service quality, increase operational efficiency, enhance sustainability, and support data- and AI-driven decision-making. These efforts are expected to have a positive impact on economic and social development and to keep pace with global trends in the use of advanced technologies.
Registration will remain open until July 10, 2026. Introductory and mentoring sessions will be held from July 10 to August 31, 2026, while the final project evaluation and presentations will take place on September 14, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Registration and further details are available at: https://aiforgood.itu.int/event/ai-readiness-hackathon-kingdom-of-saudi-arabia/
The hackathon reflects SDAIA’s continued efforts to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, build national and international capabilities in data and AI, and expand the participation of youth and researchers in developing responsible technological solutions that serve people and society. Through its strategic partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), SDAIA continues to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a leading global hub for responsible AI and to contribute to achieving the objectives of the Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026.
