ORGANIZER
Prince Turki Bin Mohammad Bin Fahd Center for Creativity & Entrepreneurship
COMPETITION BRIEF
The Prince Turki Bin Mohammad Bin Fahd Center for Creativity & Entrepreneurship is organizing the Defense Technologies Exhibition & Competition as a professional-focused platform bringing together industry practitioners working in engineering, defense, emerging technologies, and applied innovation.
The Expo is designed to build on insights, trends, and innovations showcased at the World Defense Show (WDS 2026), translating global advancements into locally driven concepts, applied engineering solutions, software innovations, and prototype-level technologies.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s strategic direction in advanced technologies and national capability development, the Expo provides a space for professionals to present forward-thinking ideas and practical solutions addressing defense and security challenges within the national ecosystem.
COMPETITION DETAILS
Date: T.B.A.
Time: T.B.A.
Location: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University - Main Campus
Language: English
Type:
OBJECTIVES
• Leverage knowledge and inspiration gained from the World Defense Show to stimulate locally driven innovation
• Foster collaboration between industry professionals in defense and advanced technologies
• Encourage practical, application-oriented solutions supporting national defense readiness
• Provide a professional showcase platform for conceptual and prototype-level projects
• Identify high-potential innovations for future development and industry engagement
• Strengthen PMU’s role as a bridge between academia and industry within Saudi Arabia’s technology ecosystem
COMPETITION WORKFLOW
Participants may register under one of two tracks:
1. Conceptual Track
Visionary ideas, strategic proposals, system designs, research concepts, or early frameworks related to defense and emerging technologies.
2. Prototype Track
Working demonstrations, simulations, coded systems, software tools, mechanical models, or early-stage hardware solutions.
Focus Domains (not limited to):
• UAV systems & autonomous drones
• Aerospace concepts
• Cybersecurity & threat detection
• AI-driven analytics and intelligent systems
• Secure communication platforms
• Surveillance technologies & sensor integration
• AR/VR training and simulation tools
• Protective technologies & smart equipment
• Software solutions supporting defense readiness
Exhibition Setup
Each approved project will be provided with:
• 1 table
• 2 display grids (approximately 2m × 1m total)
Participants are responsible for transporting and assembling their materials. All setups must be completed at least two hours before the official opening.
EVALUATION CRITERIA / RUBRIC
Projects will be evaluated by a panel of PMU faculty, industry partners, and defense-sector specialists.
Conceptual Track
• Originality & innovation – 30%
• Relevance to defense and security needs – 25%
• Technical and conceptual feasibility – 25%
• Poster clarity & presentation delivery – 20%
Prototype Track
• Functionality & technical execution – 35%
• Creativity & innovation – 25%
• Defense relevance & practical impact – 20%
• Presentation clarity & demonstration quality – 20%
Judging also considers professional engagement with evaluators during exhibition sessions.
DISTINCTION PRIZES
T.B.A.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Eligibility & Participation
• Open to industry professionals and PMU Alumni.
• Participation may be individual or in teams (up to five members).
• One project per participant/team.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration is encouraged.
Project Requirements
• Projects must be original and clearly linked to defense or emerging technologies.
• Conceptual submissions must include background, problem statement, proposed solution, and anticipated defense relevance.
• Prototype submissions must be safe, stable, and suitable for indoor public exhibition.
Poster Requirements
• English language only.
• A1 size (vertical), printed and ready for display.
• Must include: project title, participant names/affiliation, abstract, methodology or design approach, anticipated defense impact, and visuals (recommended).
Attendance & Conduct
• Participants must be present during judging and public engagement periods.
• Professional conduct is mandatory at all times.
• Plagiarism, misrepresentation, or unsafe practices result in immediate disqualification.
Safety
• Hazardous, flammable, or reactive materials are prohibited.
• Drones, robotics, or electronics must remain static unless pre-approved.
• High-voltage or unsafe mechanical systems are not allowed.
Intellectual Property
• All intellectual property remains with the participant(s).
• PMU may document and showcase projects for educational and promotional purposes with acknowledgment.