Geneva, May 6, 2026

The fourth edition of the X-thon 4 hackathon was recently held at the University of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, bringing together more than 300 innovators representing 30 academic and institutional entities from across the Kingdom. The event was organized under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, and in strategic partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority SDAIA.

As part of its global mission to promote innovation, the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations IFIA, under the directive of its President, supported this major event by presenting three special awards and granting the prestigious IFIA INV title, an internationally recognized distinction awarded to outstanding innovators.

The hackathon focused on developing advanced digital solutions to enhance road safety by utilizing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and smart mobility systems. Over the course of four days, participants worked in a highly collaborative environment to transform their ideas into practical and scalable prototypes aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its objectives for sustainable development and improved quality of life.

In recognition of the University of Tabuk’s active role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the President of IFIA has placed increased institutional support for the university on the agenda of the IFIA Executive Committee. This step reflects IFIA’s intention to strengthen cooperation with the university and to expand future support through international platforms, recognition programs, and innovation driven initiatives.

The IFIA awards were presented to leading innovations across three main tracks:

Technical Track
Innovation Name: Smart Parking
Participants: Abdullah Alqahtani and Bander Alruwili
Organization: University of Tabuk
Brief Description:
A smart parking application designed to reduce traffic congestion caused by searching for parking spaces. The system provides real time parking availability, enables advance booking, and directs drivers to the nearest available space using smart sensors and cloud based technologies.

Engineering Track
Innovation Name: Clay Air Conditioner CAC
Participants: Ziad Mohammed Alghamdi, Hassan Salim Al Aidaroos, Fahad Abdullah Al Maliki, Malik Abdulhamid Alrefai, Abdullah Abdulqadir Atoudi
Organization: Technical and Vocational Training Corporation
Brief Description:
An innovative cooling system based on clay materials that reduces electricity consumption and cooling costs. It uses the natural porous properties of clay combined with a water based mechanism to deliver an efficient, eco friendly, and cost effective solution.

Health Track
Innovation Name: Passive Thermal Cooling Rack for Blood Tubes
Participants: Rouba Alfurshuti and Mansor Aldosri
Organization: Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University
Brief Description:
A passive cooling rack designed to maintain stable temperatures for blood sample tubes during transportation without the need for electricity or ice. The solution improves sample safety, reduces transport related errors, and enhances laboratory workflow efficiency.

All winners received IFIA awards. Moreover, they were granted the IFIA INV title in recognition of their innovative contributions and international potential.

The event also featured an interactive technology exhibition showcasing participants’ innovations and facilitating engagement between innovators, experts, and potential investors. X-thon 4 highlighted the growing role of innovation in addressing societal challenges and demonstrated IFIA’s continued commitment to supporting and recognizing outstanding inventors worldwide.

Beyond the competition, X-thon 4 featured an interactive technology exhibition that showcased a wide range of innovative solutions developed by participants, alongside contributions from experts in engineering and digital technologies. The exhibition served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and potential collaboration between innovators, industry leaders, and investors.

The event also included live project demonstrations, student visits, and evaluation sessions conducted by specialized juries, ensuring that each solution was assessed based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and societal impact. These elements contributed to creating a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that supports the transformation of ideas into real world applications.

X-thon 4 stands as a strong example of Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to innovation driven development and its efforts to empower young talents in addressing critical societal challenges. At the same time, IFIA’s active involvement highlights the importance of international collaboration in recognizing excellence and fostering innovation across borders.

Through initiatives such as this, IFIA continues to play a vital role in connecting innovators to global platforms, supporting the development of impactful solutions, and strengthening the culture of innovation worldwide.