Tech Research Challenge Initiative

The Tech Research Challenge Initiative is a quarterly initiative focused on addressing technical challenges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was launched by the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) in 2021, in partnership with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and in collaboration with Saudi companies, universities, and research centers. The initiative aims to localize the information technology sector in line with Vision 2030 and to encourage research, development, and innovation skills in the technology sector. This aim is achieved through attracting researchers and university students to provide practical solutions to real challenges faced by private sector companies. The initiative is the first of its kind in the Kingdom, specializing in technical research.

The initiative brings together tech companies, universities, and research centers by presenting technical challenges faced by companies to specialists in computer science, information technology, and emerging technologies, including university students, researchers, and faculty members. It allows them to participate by proposing, planning, and completing projects or scientific innovations with documented results, which can be utilized and applied as practical and innovative solutions.

The National Technology Development Program aims to achieve several objectives through the Tech Research Challenge Initiative, including developing research, innovation, and development skills in the Saudi information technology sector, preparing students and researchers for entrepreneurship within the sector, guiding research centers and universities towards technical research projects to support the private sector, and strengthening relationships between entities to foster additional collaborations.

Registration for the Tech Research Challenge Initiative occurs after universities nominate participating teams. The initiative is launched three times per year, coinciding with the three academic terms. It targets tech companies, universities, and research centers, presenting the technical challenges faced by companies to specialists among students, researchers, and faculty members. This aims to adopt some of the presented challenges, find solutions for them, and create feasible scientific innovations.

Upon completion of this stage, the participating projects are evaluated, and a winner is nominated by a judging committee that includes members from universities, research centers, and business centers such as innovation hubs, project incubators, accelerators, and experts in the tech investment sector. The winning research center or university is awarded the Best Technical Research Support Prize, while companies receive the Best Technical Research Challenge Prize. Additionally, awards are given to the winning students.