Sustainability Innovation Challenge

CHALLENGE INNOVATE SUSTAIN

The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2-13, 2024, marking its 30th anniversary with a focus on land restoration and drought resilience. As part of COP16, Riyadh will also host the Sustainability Innovation Week (SIW) from December 9-11, 2024, highlighting global science and innovation to tackle environmental challenges.
In conjunction with this, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) will launch a University Innovation Challenge starting September 15, 2024, aimed at addressing Saudi Arabia's key environmental, water and agriculture issues, with the winners featured during SIW.

GOALS

Serve as a platform to recognize outstanding innovations in environment, water and agriculture

Empowers students and participants to turn their ideas into entrepreneurial ventures

Advance cutting-edge research and technology that drive forward national innovation agenda

CHALLENGE TOPICS

The challenge is structured into distinct elements, each focusing on a key area: desertification, water loss and grey water management, and the RPW control value chain.

ENVIRONMENT - DESERTIFICATION

Threatens agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and water resources, intensifying food security challenges and environmental degradation across the Kingdom.

WATER - WATER LOSS & GREY WATER

Pose challenges related to water scarcity, environmental pollution, and limited reuse, driven by a lack of awareness and infrastructure. These factors further aggravate the issue of water loss in the Kingdom.

AGRICULTURE - RED PALM WEEVIL

Has plagued Saudi Arabia’s date palm cultivars since 1987, spreading to 11 out of 13 provinces and threatening the heart of the Kingdom’s agricultural heritage.

WHY APPLY

Shortlisted participants will have the chance to engage in a dynamic series of webinars on entrepreneurship and innovation, along with targeted workshops addressing focus topics in environment, water, and agriculture. Challenge winners will present their solutions on the main stage at Sustainability Innovation Week during COP16, where top performers will be recognized with awards. Beyond the event, winning teams will secure exclusive milestone-based funding, tailored programs, and services to accelerate their impact.

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS

Students from universities across KSA are invited to participate by submitting their early-stage ideas on the Challenge’s platform.
This is a unique opportunity for participants to contribute innovative solutions and gain invaluable experience.
Each team will consist of 1 faculty member and 4-5 students.