Last Updated: 19th November, 2025

AI 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 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 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.

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. Develop Real-World Solutions: Focus on solutions with tangible impact.

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).

Judges 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.

⁍ Registration Opened — October 8th, 2025
Starting receiving submissions through the form.

⁍ Registration Closed — November 8th, 2025
All submissions have been received through the global call.

⁍ Shortlisting Completed — November 17th, 2025
Shortlisted teams have been contacted directly.

⁍ Mentoring Phase — Late November to December, 2025
Shortlisted teams are currently receiving mentoring and refining their ideas with support from Google Cloud mentors for one month.

⁍ Hackathon Finale — February 2nd, 2026 (On-Campus at KFUPM)
3-Day hackathon, workshops, keynotes, judging, and awards ceremony. Fully sponsored travel for finalists.

Registration is now closed. Shortlisted teams have been contacted. The competition is currently in the mentoring phase.

Explore our other global opportunities. And stay tuned upcoming events and competitions through KFUPM Global Engagement.

For any questions or partnership opportunities regarding the Intelligent Planet Hackathon, please contact:

Intelligent Planet Hackathon
📧 intel-planet@kfupm.edu.sa

Or

Adam Abusaab
Organizer – Intelligent Planet Hackathon
KFUPM, Global Engagement Department
📧 adam.abusaab@kfupm.edu.sa

¤ 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 event.

¤ 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.