Orbiting Around a CompetitionTaking Advantage of Natural Synergies.

(Register Here)Hackathon OverviewAI Solutions for an Intelligent Planet.The need for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions is critical. KFUPM, in partnership with Google, invites the next generation of global leaders to tackle humanity's most pressing challenges.This is a focused, high-impact Hackathon where outstanding undergraduate students from the world's leading universities are challenged to leverage advanced Google technologies—including Gemini, Vertex AI, and Google Cloud—to develop innovative digital solutions addressing global challenges.Inspired by KFUPM's research strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, this initiative aims to position participants as key drivers of the future economy, fostering entrepreneurship and global collaboration.The Challenge ThemeThe core hackathon theme is Intelligent Planet. Participants are given the freedom to choose their project's specific challenge within this domain, which includes crucial issues.Why Join the Intelligent Planet Hackathon?An opportunity to lead, learn, and leave your mark on the clean energy transition.1. Work with Cutting-Edge Google Technology: Gain hands-on exposure to advanced tools like Vertex AI, Gemini, Google Cloud, and Maps API.2. Earn a Fully Sponsored Global Trip: The finalist teams will receive fully sponsored travel and accommodation to attend the multi-day finale at the KFUPM campus in Saudi Arabia.3. Compete for Major Prizes: Win a share of the cash prizes: $7,000 (1st), $5,000 (2nd), and $3,000 (3rd), along with Google Upskilling Programs and media exposure.4. Access Exclusive Incubation: Connect with DTV and other strategic partners via the Incubation Showcase for potential startup opportunities.5. Develop Real-World Solutions: Focus on solutions with tangible impact.Who Can Participate?Eligibility: Open to all graduate or undergraduate students currently enrolled.Teams must consist of 3–5 students.Composition: Multidisciplinary teams are highly encouraged (e.g., engineering, computer science, business, design).Project Evaluation CriteriaJudges academia and industry will evaluate submissions based on the following weighted criteria:⁍ Problem & Impact (40%): Relevance to the theme, Vision 2030, scalability, and potential benefit to the community or industry.⁍ Technical Feasibility (35%): Realism, complexity, and mandatory utilization of a relevant Google technology (e.g., Firebase, Google Maps Platform, Vertex AI).⁍ Innovation & Creativity (25%): Novelty of the approach, originality, and depth of the idea.Key Timeline DatesGlobal Submissions [October 8, 2025]: Idea Submissions Open.Submission Deadline [October 31, 2025]: Final deadline for proposal submissions.Mentoring & Shortlisting [November, 2025]: Google works with the shortlisted teams to empower and refine their initial ideas, after which the top finalist teams are selected.The Finale [January 2026]: On-campus, fully sponsored, multi-day Hackathon, keynotes and Awards Ceremony at KFUPM.RegistrationDon't miss this opportunity to shape the future of our Intelligent Planet!Form your team and submit your proposal via the official submission form. All coding and substantial development on the project must be completed during the hackathon period.Register Here and Submit Your Proposal Before October 31, 2025!InquiriesFor any questions or partnership opportunities regarding the Intelligent Planet Hackathon, please contact:Adam AbusaabOrganizer – Intelligent Planet HackathonKFUPM, Global Engagement Department📧 adam.abusaab@kfupm.edu.saDisclaimers¤ All team members have to be currently enrolled students (undergraduate or graduate).¤ All coding and substantial development to be completed during the hackathon period and that all pre-existing components have to be declared.¤ Teams may use pre-existing ideas, open-source libraries, and frameworks, but judges will only evaluate new features and functionality built during the even.¤ All submission details may be shared with judges, mentors, and organizers for evaluation purposes.¤ All participants must utilize a relevant Google technology (e.g., Gemini, Vertex AI, Google Cloud), which is mandatory for the solution.¤ All participants must adhere to the event's Code of Conduct. Any instance of plagiarism, harassment, or unsporting behavior will result in immediate disqualification.

Natural Hydrogen Competition “The New White Gold”Fall 2025Competition OverviewAre you ready to tackle one of the world’s biggest energy challenges?The discovery and utilization of oil, often referred to as "black gold," has been a cornerstone of the energy industry for the past century. Over the years, a comprehensive understanding of the petroleum system has been developed, enabling the efficient exploration and production of this valuable resource. However, with the growing global demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources, a new era of energy production is emerging, with hydrogen being touted as the "new white gold."Natural hydrogen, in particular, has the potential to be a viable source of future energy, driven by increasing interest in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. To fully realize the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source, it is essential to understand the underlying hydrogen systems, including the production, migration, and accumulation of hydrogen in various rock types and geological conditions. Developing a deeper understanding of these complex systems is crucial for the identification and exploitation of natural hydrogen resources.Therefore, the challenge is to develop a method to identify the hydrogen system, similar to the way we develop a petroleum system.Why Join?An opportunity to lead, learn, and leave a mark1- Be part of the global clean energy transition2- Work with peers from two world-class universities (KFUPM & University of Waterloo)3- Gain exposure to international judges, mentors, and industry leadersGuiding Questions for the CompetitionTo shape your research and presentations, consider the following six themes:Source & Origin – What are the geological sources of natural hydrogen, and how is it generated (e.g., water–rock interaction, serpentinization, radiolysis)?Migration & Accumulation – Through what processes and pathways does hydrogen migrate, and how might it accumulate in underground reservoirs similar to petroleum traps?Exploration & Drilling – Which tools, techniques, or adaptations from the petroleum industry could be applied to safely and effectively explore and drill for natural hydrogen?Extraction & Transportation – What are the main technological, environmental, and safety challenges in extracting, storing, and transporting natural hydrogen?Sustainability & Impact – How can natural hydrogen contribute to reducing carbon emissions and advancing long-term energy security while minimizing impacts on ecosystems and groundwater?Economics – How can we evaluate economic feasibility, and what screening indicators should be considered?Students are expected to address each of these criteria in their final presentation, but may emphasize those most relevant to their group’s expertise.Who Can Participate?Open to all undergraduate students (sophomore and above) at KFUPM and the University of WaterlooStudents must compete as a team of 3–4 membersTimelineIdea Submission Deadline: 14 October 2025Preliminary Rounds- held Separately at each campus: 22 October 2025Final Round- in person at KFUPM): 19 November 2025RegistrationRegister now!The Natural Hydrogen Competition is more than a contest — it’s your chance to be part of the clean energy revolution, represent your university, and gain international exposure. Whether you win or not, you’ll walk away with new skills, new connections, and a global perspective.Don’t miss this opportunity — form your team, register today, and submit your proposal before 11October 2025!