Defense Technologies Exhibition & Competition - High Schools Track

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 post–World Defense Show initiative designed to inspire high school students to explore future-oriented technologies and innovation.
Building on global trends showcased at the World Defense Show (WDS 2026), the Expo encourages students to imagine creative technological solutions addressing defense, safety, and smart-system challenges. The event provides an academic yet engaging platform for students to present conceptual ideas while strengthening early interest in STEM, innovation, and emerging technology pathways.


COMPETITION DETAILS

Date: T.B.A.

Time: T.B.A.

Location: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University - Main Campus

Language: English

Type:

 

REGISTRATION PERIOD

Status: Open

Open: February 8, 2026

Close: March 28, 2026

 

OBJECTIVES


• Translate inspiration from the World Defense Show into student-led innovation concepts
• Encourage creative thinking and problem-solving among high school students
• Introduce learners to emerging technology and defense-related domains
• Provide a structured platform for schools to showcase student innovation
• Strengthen PMU’s outreach to schools and support early talent development
• Promote awareness of national priorities in technology, innovation, and digital skills

COMPETITION WORKFLOW


Conceptual Innovation Track

Students develop original concept-based projects presenting creative ideas or innovative solutions related to defense and emerging technologies. No physical prototypes are required.

Suggested Focus Areas (not limited to)

• Aerospace concepts
• UAVs and drones (conceptual only)
• Artificial intelligence systems
• Cyber safety and digital protection
• Smart systems and sensor applications
• AR/VR learning tools
• Wearable technology
• Future technology concepts

Participation Guidelines

• Each school may submit up to three (3) teams
• Each team may include 1–5 students (Grades 10–12)
• Projects must be conceptual only and presented using poster displays
• All students must be officially registered through their school

Exhibition Setup

PMU will provide each team with:
• 1 table
• 2 display grids (approximately 2 meters high × 1 meter wide each)

Posters must be A1 size (vertical), in English, printed and ready for display upon arrival.

EVALUATION CRITERIA / RUBRIC


Projects will be evaluated by PMU faculty and invited experts using the following criteria:

• Creativity & originality – 40%
• Relevance to defense and national safety themes – 30%
• Clarity of explanation and student understanding – 20%
• Poster design and visual organization – 10%

Students are expected to explain their ideas, answer questions, and engage with judges and visitors during evaluation.

DISTINCTION PRIZES


T.B.A.

RULES AND REGULATIONS


Eligibility & Participation

• Open to high school students in Grades 10–12
• Participation may be individual or in teams (up to five students)
• Each school may submit up to three projects
• All students must be registered by their school administration

Project Requirements

Projects must be original student work. Submissions must demonstrate:
• Understanding of a real-world defense or safety challenge
• A creative conceptual solution
• Basic feasibility justification (no advanced technical detail required)

Poster Requirements

Each poster must clearly include:
• Project title
• Student name(s), grade level, and school name
• Abstract (150–250 words recommended)
• Problem statement
• Proposed solution or concept
• Defense relevance or practical application
• Simple visuals or diagrams (encouraged)

Attendance & Conduct

• Students must be present during judging and public viewing sessions
• Professional and respectful behavior is required at all times
• Schools are responsible for student supervision and punctuality
• Plagiarism or misconduct results in disqualification

Safety

• Only poster-based conceptual projects are permitted
• No physical prototypes, electronics, drones, robotics, chemicals, or machinery
• All materials must be safe and suitable for indoor academic exhibition

Intellectual Property

• All ideas remain the property of the students and their schools
• PMU may photograph and document projects for educational and promotional purposes with acknowledgment