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 Technologies & Innovation Expo & Competition as a post–World Defense Show initiative designed to engage university students from across the Kingdom in future-oriented technology and applied innovation.
Building on global advancements highlighted at the World Defense Show (WDS), this Expo provides a collaborative platform for students to translate inspiration into conceptual ideas and prototype-level solutions addressing defense, security, and emerging technology challenges. The event promotes interdisciplinary collaboration while strengthening practical skills in innovation, engineering, and digital transformation.
COMPETITION DETAILS
Date: T.B.A.
Time: T.B.A.
Location: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University - Main Campus
Language: English
Type:
OBJECTIVES
• Translate inspiration from the World Defense Show into student-driven innovation projects
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among students from different universities and majors
• Promote practical problem-solving in defense and emerging technology domains
• Provide a professional showcase platform for conceptual and prototype-based projects
• Support early talent development aligned with national technology priorities
• Strengthen engagement between academia, industry, and innovation ecosystems
COMPETITION WORKFLOW
Conceptual Track
Students submit original research proposals or conceptual innovations related to defense and emerging technologies.
Prototype Track
Students present working prototypes, simulations, coded systems, software tools, or early-stage hardware solutions.
Suggested Focus Areas (not limited to)
• Aerospace concepts
• UAV systems and autonomous platforms
• Artificial intelligence and smart analytics
• Cybersecurity and threat detection
• Secure communication systems
• Surveillance technologies and sensor integration
• AR/VR training and simulation tools
• Protective technologies and intelligent equipment
• Software solutions supporting defense readiness
Participation Guidelines
• Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from all accredited universities
• Participation may be individual or in teams of up to four (4) students
• Each participant may contribute to one project only
• Cross-disciplinary and cross-university teams are encouraged
• Projects may be conceptual or prototype-based
Exhibition Setup
Each approved project will be provided with:
• 1 table
• 2 display grids (approximately 2 meters high × 1 meter wide each)
Participants are responsible for transporting and assembling their materials. All projects must be fully installed at least one (1) hour before the official opening.
EVALUATION CRITERIA / RUBRIC
Projects will be evaluated by a panel of PMU faculty members, industry partners, and defense-sector specialists.
Conceptual Track
• Originality & innovation – 30%
• Relevance to defense, security, and emerging technology 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 will also consider participant engagement with evaluators and the clarity of project communication during the exhibition.
DISTINCTION PRIZES
T.B.A.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
• All submissions must be original student work. Plagiarism or misrepresentation will result in immediate disqualification.
• Participants must be present during judging and public engagement sessions.
• Hazardous, flammable, explosive, or chemically reactive materials are strictly prohibited.
• Drones, robotics, or electronic devices must remain static unless prior approval is granted by the organizing committee.
• High-voltage or unsafe mechanical systems are not permitted.
• All equipment must be stable, safely wired, and suitable for indoor public exhibition.
• Intellectual property remains with the participant(s); PMU may document projects for educational and promotional purposes with acknowledgment.
• Judges’ decisions are final.