Arab Open University Wraps Up Inaugural Startup Competition 2025 with Royal Recognition in Riyadh
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The Arab Open University (AOU) concluded its first-ever Startup Competition 2025 at its Riyadh campus, spotlighting a dynamic range of student-led innovations aimed at addressing national and global challenges. The awards ceremony was graced by His Highness Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, who presented prizes to the top three winners and expressed deep personal ties to the institution.
Organized as part of AOU’s strategic efforts to nurture entrepreneurship and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the competition marked a milestone in the university’s commitment to building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
Innovation in Focus
The competition’s top honors went to Jadwalna, an AI-powered tourism platform that curates personalized travel experiences within Saudi Arabia while equipping service providers with smart marketing and digital payment tools.
Second place was awarded to Sakina, a mental wellness platform that offers culturally contextualized emotional support through artificial intelligence, delivering continuous care and wellness resources.
Eco Bin, a smart waste-sorting and recycling system, earned third place and was also named the audience choice winner for its environmental impact and practical application of automation.
Royal Support and Visionary Legacy
Speaking at the event, Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal described the visit as “a return to a second home,” recalling the founding vision of his grandfather, the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, who launched the AOU initiative in 1996. The university was established in collaboration with the UK’s Open University, with the goal of providing non-traditional, accessible education centered on scientific, social, and cultural progress.
Prince Khaled lauded the finalists for their creativity and commitment, emphasizing that initiatives like AOU’s Startup Competition play a vital role in shaping the next generation of Saudi innovators and changemakers.
A Platform for Future Changemakers
The competition featured a wide array of finalist projects across diverse sectors, including:
- AI-based queue management systems
- Non-invasive drug detection technologies
- Emergency communication devices for non-verbal users
- Afforestation mapping platforms
- Virtual reality community hubs
- Assistive tools for the visually impaired
- Investor matchmaking apps for emerging entrepreneurs
These projects reflect AOU’s holistic educational approach, combining academic knowledge with real-world innovation, and reinforcing its role as a catalyst for social impact, sustainability, and technological progress.
