King Abdulaziz University honored the winning teams of the Minerals Challenge, a preliminary competition for universities in the Western Region, with 195 participants representing 36 teams. The event marked the kickoff of the national qualifying phase for the Global Mineral Innovation Competition, and was held under the patronage of Prof. Ameen Yusuf Naaman, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research.

Also in attendance were Eng. Mohammed Al-Sultan, Vice President of Licensing Management at Esnad, and Wesam Al-Zamil, General Manager of Innovation at the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP).

Held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the King Faisal Conference Center, the Minerals Challenge focused on three core tracks in the mining sector:

            •           Smart Technologies in Mining Operations and Services

            •           Safety and Security

            •           Resource Sustainability

From the initial 195 contestants, 140 students across 27 teams advanced to the upcoming national innovation bootcamp, which forms part of the Kingdom’s preparations for the Global Mineral Innovation Competition, scheduled to take place during the 5th Future Minerals Forum 2026, under the theme “Pioneers of the Future of Minerals.”

Following detailed presentations and evaluation, three teams were awarded financial prizes for the most innovative solutions in each track:

            •           🥇 “Mining Vision” – Winner of the Smart Technologies track

            •           🥇 “Metaminds” – Winner of the Safety and Security track

            •           🥇 “AQUORA” – Winner of the Resource Sustainability track

Organizing committees, support teams, and strategic partners were also recognized for their efforts in making the event a success.

Dr. Saud Wasly, Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at King Abdulaziz University, emphasized that the Minerals Challenge is part of a broader national initiative launched by NIDLP in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The initiative aims to foster innovation, develop national talent, and raise awareness of the mining sector’s strategic importance. The competition offers total prizes exceeding SAR 2 million.

He added that participants engaged in intensive workshops, explored real-world challenges in the sector, and joined the in-person “Challenge Bootcamp”, where they received expert mentorship and guidance, preparing them for the next stage on the path toward international competition.