Arab Open University (AOU) concluded its inaugural Startup Competition 2025 at its Riyadh campus, celebrating a range of innovative student-led projects with awards presented by Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal. The competition highlighted AOU's commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to foster a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. The top prize went to Jadwalna, an AI-powered tourism platform that delivers personalized travel experiences across Saudi Arabia while offering service providers intelligent marketing and payment tools. Second place was awarded to Sakina, a mental health platform utilizing culturally aware AI to provide round-the-clock emotional support and wellness resources. Eco Bin—a smart waste-sorting system promoting sustainability through automated material detection and recycling—took both third place and the audience choice award. During the ceremony, Prince Khaled expressed a personal connection to the university, describing his visit as a return to a second home. He recalled the pivotal role played by the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, who announced the AOU initiative in 1996 to establish a non-traditional academic institution focused on scientific, social, and cultural advancement. That vision materialized in 2002, in collaboration with the UK's Open University. Finalist projects showcased a wide range of impactful innovations, including AI-based queue management systems, non-invasive drug detection devices, emergency communication tools for non-verbal users, afforestation mapping platforms, virtual reality communities, assistive technology for the visually impaired, and investor matchmaking apps for emerging entrepreneurs. — SG
