MBSC University Innovation Challenge for Sustainable Development

Saturday, 26th of March 2022 marked the closing and awarding ceremony of the University Innovation Challenge for Sustainable Development.

The challenge was launched by Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship (MBSC) in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Education,?the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, and the Babson Global Center For Entrepreneurial Leadership in America. Fifteen Saudi universities competed to develop the entrepreneurial mindset of young students by motivating them to find innovative solutions to global challenges.

Qassim University won first place in the competition, second place was awarded to King Abdulaziz University, and third place went to Dar Al-Hekma University. All student participants have received certificates of participation. In addition, the top team will attend a week-long "Babson Build" program at Babson College in the United States in July.

Dr. Adam Bouloukos, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noted “The United Nations Development Programme is proud to support the University Innovation Challenge. The future of ?the Kingdom rests in the hands of its innovative youth who are engaged and creative. The challenge's winners have been able to demonstrate solutions that have not only been viable but also scalable, and will motivate young Saudis to develop innovative solutions to ensure the Kingdom's determined progress towards sustainability.”

The Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Heba Al-Dosari, indicated that the university innovation challenge is one of the important initiatives to activate the system supporting research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The challenge is part of a national effort to achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and to maintain an economy based on knowledge, innovation and creativity.

Ms. Daad Alqordi, UNDP National Project Assistant and Graduate of MBSC, said “It was truly motivating to see the students think about the challenges and come up with innovative solutions to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and inspire communities to act to create the world we want by 2030.”

?Through the University Innovation Challenge competition, MBSC was keen to align with the Kingdom’s 2030 vison to motivate pioneering, leading and administrative Saudi youth; those who aspire to develop innovative solutions to achieve development goals and address the challenges facing their societies, in order to consolidate the college’s position as a key component in the Saudi entrepreneurship sector and a strong partner for young pioneers , and to support ?small and medium enterprises.