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The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched the “Smartest U” competition, aimed at university students across Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Microsoft. The competition seeks to develop students’ skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and inspire them to adopt advanced data technologies. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to cultivate national capabilities capable of competing globally in the AI field.
The competition includes a training program running from October 28 to November 23, designed to enable students to acquire advanced AI skills. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn up to three professional certifications accredited by Microsoft. Following the training phase, contestants will move through three main stages, starting November 24. Teams will be gradually eliminated until the final stage, which is set to take place on January 12 and 13, 2024.
“Smartest U” Stages: From Training to Global Competition
The “Smartest U” competition unfolds over three key phases following the conclusion of the training program. In the first stage, running from November 24 to December 1, the number of competing teams will be narrowed down to 84. The second stage, from December 2 to January 5, will see participants compete under rigorous criteria based on both “Smartest U” standards and those of the “Imagine Cup,” a prestigious global competition organized by Microsoft.
The top 30 teams that progress to the final stage will vie for the top 10 positions over the course of two days, January 12 and 13. The winners will be recognized and will also have a chance to participate in the “Imagine Cup 2025” in Seattle, where they will compete against teams from across the globe for the championship title.
Artificial Intelligence: A Key Driver of Global Innovation
This competition offers Saudi students a valuable opportunity to gain new experiences in AI. Supported by Microsoft and guided by SDAIA, participants will be equipped with knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and will explore innovative AI-based solutions. Such initiatives are an important step toward the digital transformation sought by Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading hub for AI and big data.
Additionally, the competition empowers students to turn their ideas into viable projects, helping create new opportunities for employment and innovation. The “Imagine Cup” serves as a global platform where winners can showcase their solutions and capitalize on the advantages brought by modern technologies.
Partnership with Microsoft: Strengthening Collaboration to Develop National Talent
The partnership between SDAIA and Microsoft is part of broader efforts to promote innovation in the Kingdom. This collaboration provides students with essential opportunities to develop AI-related skills, while offering a supportive educational framework to help them interact with the latest global tools and systems.
Success in this competition goes beyond winning prizes; it provides students with valuable practical experience that opens doors to excellence in the job market. Through this partnership, SDAIA aims to prepare a generation of AI specialists capable of keeping pace with global technological advancements and competing at an international level.
The “Smartest U” competition presents a unique opportunity for Saudi university students to acquire knowledge and skills in the AI field, an area of growing global significance. Through the partnership with Microsoft, SDAIA aims to foster a new generation of innovators who can compete in global competitions like the “Imagine Cup.”
Such initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing national expertise and realizing the goals of Vision 2030, creating a knowledge-based economy driven by technology and innovation. AI is not merely a technology, but a powerful tool for fostering progress and innovation across various sectors. Competitions like “Smartest U” lay the groundwork for empowering the next generation to lead future change.
