The Emerging Innovators Challenge is an innovation challenge presented by Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (Misk), in partnership with HUMAIN, to empower Saudi high school students to (...)
Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (Misk), and in partnership with HUMAIN, presents the Emerging Innovators Challenge to Saudi high school students in Grades 10 and 11.
The challenge empowers participants to solve impactful real-world challenges by applying Emerging Technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, low-code and no-code platforms, digital tools, and other future technologies, to develop innovative solutions with practical potential.
Teams work across three challenge areas that represent real opportunities for innovation: the Future of Mobility, the Future of Food, and the Future of Retail.
The journey begins with a 6-week Innovation Experience, during which participants collaborate in teams to explore future challenges, develop their innovation and problem-solving skills through a human-centered design approach, and build functional prototypes through hands-on practice and expert mentorship.
The experience concludes with the Preliminary Showcase, where teams present their solutions and receive expert feedback.
After the Preliminary Showcase, teams continue the Challenge Journey, developing their solutions through mentorship, engagement with challenge partners, and additional development phases, leading up to the Final Showcase.
The Emerging Innovators Challenge brings together learning, experimentation, and competition to empower a new generation of innovators capable of using technology to solve real-world challenges and create lasting impact.
Delivery Format: In-person sessions, with virtual support when needed.
Program Type: Innovation Challenge
Language: English.
Location: Riyadh.
Innovation Experience Duration: 6 weeks.
Full Journey Duration: 14 weeks (Innovation Experience + Challenge Journey).
Time Commitment: Approximately 140 hours across the 6-week Innovation Experience.
Innovation Experience: 2 August – 12 September 2026.
Challenge Journey: Continues through the Final Showcase on 11 November 2026.
Phase One | Innovation Experience (6 Weeks)
Teams continue developing their solutions through mentorship, engagement with challenge partners, and continuous development, leading up to the Final Showcase.
You will learn how to identify significant challenges, understand user needs, apply innovation methodologies, use Emerging Technologies, build functional prototypes, and present your ideas with confidence.
Participants will work across three challenge areas: the Future of Mobility, the Future of Food, and the Future of Retail.
Yes. Each team will develop a functional prototype that embodies the solution concept.
Depending on the nature of the challenge, prototypes may include AI-powered applications, digital experiences, dashboards, simulations, service models, applications built using low-code or no-code platforms, and other technology-enabled solutions.
No. The challenge enables participants to use easy-to-use tools and technologies, including low-code and no-code platforms, allowing them to build and test solutions without the need for advanced programming experience.
Participants will explore a range of Emerging Technologies, including:
Yes. Experts, entrepreneurs, and specialists from various sectors take part through specialized sessions, mentorship, design reviews, and feedback during the showcases.
Yes. Participants' journey begins with the Innovation Experience and the Preliminary Showcase, then qualifying teams continue developing their solutions throughout the Challenge Journey, leading up to the Final Showcase.
Participants who successfully complete the Innovation Experience will receive a certificate from Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (Misk).
The full journey runs for 14 weeks, from 2 August to 11 November 2026.
The 6-week Innovation Experience runs from 2 August to 12 September 2026. After the Preliminary Showcase, qualifying teams continue developing their prototypes through the Challenge Journey, leading up to the Final Showcase on 11 November 2026.
Yes. Participation is fully funded by Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (Misk).
40 students will participate, distributed across 8 multidisciplinary teams.
Teams receive feedback from experts throughout the Challenge Journey to support the development of their prototypes.
The Final Showcase celebrates innovation, creativity, collaboration, impact, and solution development through multiple award categories.
Teams receive feedback from experts throughout the Challenge Journey to support the development of their prototypes.
The Final Showcase celebrates innovation, creativity, collaboration, impact, and solution development through multiple award categories.
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