Hackathon Overview

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 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 Theme

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.

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 Criteria

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.

Key Timeline Dates

Global 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.

Registration

Don'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 Now and Submit Your Proposal Before October 31, 2025!

Inquiries

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

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

Disclaimers

¤ 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.