Dimensions Startup Studios Empowers Alfaisal Students to Join Prestigious UN-Certified International Program

Alfaisal University proudly celebrates the selection and acceptance of outstanding students from the College of Medicine and the College of Engineering and Advanced Computing to participate in the 2026 United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) – Ureka International Project Program.

This achievement reflects Alfaisal University’s ongoing commitment to cultivating globally minded innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders. Through the efforts of Dimensions Startup Studios—the university’s hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and design thinking—students were identified and nominated through a competitive selection process aligned with Alfaisal’s vision for research excellence, innovation, and global engagement.

The UNITAR–Ureka Program is a highly regarded UN-certified international experience that brings together talented students from around the world to address pressing global challenges linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants begin with an intensive virtual collaboration phase, working in diverse international teams to develop innovative, impact-driven solutions. The program culminates in an immersive experience in Geneva, Switzerland, where students engage with leading international organizations, explore global policy and innovation ecosystems, and build valuable professional networks.

As part of Alfaisal University’s commitment to student excellence, the university is sponsoring the participation of the selected students, providing them with a unique opportunity to gain international exposure, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and contribute to meaningful global initiatives.

Following a rigorous nomination process coordinated through Dimensions Startup Studios, the selected candidates were interviewed by the UNITAR selection committee and were successfully accepted into the program. Their acceptance highlights the exceptional talent, ambition, and global potential of Alfaisal students and their readiness to contribute meaningfully to international conversations and solutions.

This achievement builds upon Alfaisal University’s growing success within the UNITAR–Ureka Program. Last month, Deema Wael AlKattan, a senior student from the Architectural Engineering Department, successfully completed the April 2026 cohort, proudly representing Alfaisal University on the international stage. Her participation demonstrated the caliber of Alfaisal students and the value of engaging with global innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Building on this momentum, the newly accepted students are expected, Insha’Allah, to join the July 2026 cohort, where they will collaborate with peers from around the world to develop innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges. The university looks forward to sharing updates on their experiences, achievements, and impact as they progress through this distinguished international journey.

This milestone not only celebrates individual achievement but also reinforces Alfaisal University’s growing reputation as a leading institution that empowers students to innovate, lead, and create positive impact on a global scale. Through Dimensions Startup Studios and its commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and design thinking, Alfaisal continues to create pathways that connect students with world-class opportunities and prepare them to become the next generation of changemakers.

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Dimensions Participates in the 8th Annual Engineering Design Expo

Dimensions proudly participated in the 8th Annual Engineering Design Expo and Boeing Student Competition at Alfaisal University, an event that brought together talented students, industry professionals, and innovators to showcase cutting-edge engineering and technology projects addressing real-world challenges.

As part of the event, Dimensions hosted an interactive booth that highlighted a variety of student-led projects and initiatives developed through its innovation and entrepreneurship centers. The booth provided visitors with the opportunity to explore creative solutions, engage directly with student innovators, and learn more about the programs and opportunities offered by Dimensions.

Throughout the expo, the Dimensions team actively connected with students, faculty members, and industry professionals, fostering meaningful conversations around innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The event also served as a valuable platform to introduce attendees to Dimensions' centers and upcoming programs, sparking interest among students eager to participate in future workshops, events, hackathons, and innovation-driven initiatives.

By participating in the expo, Dimensions reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young talent, supporting hands-on learning experiences, and building stronger connections between academia and industry. The organization continues to play an active role in cultivating a culture of creativity, innovation, and impactful problem-solving within the university community and beyond.

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Dimension's SparkTank Students Showcase Innovation at SFDA Biotechnology & Digital Health Workshop

Students from SparkTank Dimensions proudly represented Alfaisal University at a specialized workshop organized by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) – Medical Devices Sector, held at the SFDA Main Building Training Center in Riyadh. Supported by the Office of Research & Innovation, the participation reflects Alfaisal’s expanding role in advancing student-led innovation within national regulatory and industry platforms.

The workshop focused on strengthening legislation, regulatory oversight, and research in modern biotechnology, digital health, and innovative medical devices. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange and regulatory awareness, highlighting research shaping the future of healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the event, SparkTank startups Respar, RegenStitch, and ChemoMouth presented their projects at various stages of development — from early concepts to translational solutions. The poster exhibition showcased entrepreneurial thinking, applied research, and scalable healthcare innovations.

Their engagement highlighted how Dimensions facilitates the bridging of innovation, commercialization readiness, and regulatory alignment. By engaging directly with regulatory authorities and industry professionals, students gained valuable insights into compliance requirements and market pathways critical for healthcare innovation.

Through enabling its student innovators to present on a national platform, Dimensions reinforces Alfaisal University’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent, accelerating innovation-driven research, and contributing to the Kingdom’s healthcare and biotechnology ecosystem.

Dimensions – INVENT Studio Represents Alfaisal University in Elevating Lifestyle Medicine Innovation in Hail

Alfaisal University proudly served as an official academic partner in the Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad Lifestyle Medicine Hackathon 2025 in Hail, held under the patronage of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail Region. This major national innovation gathering, organized by the Ministry of Health – Hail Branch, attracted over 400 participants from across Saudi Arabia.

The hackathon focused on three national health challenges: adopting a healthy lifestyle, reducing dependency for the elderly and disabled, and increasing life expectancy through innovation.

Alfaisal University was represented through its key entities: Dimensions Startup Studios, the Office of Research and Innovation, and the Medical Education Department, which collectively delegated three distinguished experts—Eng. Maria Said Alomari, Dr. Ahmed Abuzaid, and Dr. Raed Alawi Albar—to contribute as mentors and a final judge. These experts guided participating teams and evaluated innovative solutions aligned with the Vision 2030 health sector transformation goals.

In recognition of its vital role in advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and health transformation, Alfaisal University was honored and awarded by His Excellency the Minister of Health and His Royal Highness the Prince of the Hail Region.

Alfaisal’s successful participation reflects our ongoing dedication to community engagement and empowering innovators to develop sustainable, technology-driven healthcare solutions.

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Dimensions Startup Studio Showcases Innovation and Entrepreneurial Vision at SpaceLead’25

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The SpaceLead’25 conference, hosted by Alfaisal University, brought together global experts to explore the future of health and advanced engineering in space. As part of the interactive exhibition, Dimensions Startup Studio engaged visitors by presenting the studio’s mission and entrepreneurial vision, emphasizing its essential role in driving innovation within the sector.

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Innovative Teams Graduate from KACST KVP2.0 Program, Showcasing Successful Collaboration Facilitated by Dimensions Startup Studios

Dimensions Startup Studios for Innovation and Design Thinking recently celebrated the graduation of two pioneering teams from the KACST KVP2.0 program, a landmark event that highlights the success of a collaborative model designed to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

The graduation ceremony, which took place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, served as a testament to the effective partnership between KACST, NTDP, and Alfaisal University, with Dimensions Startup Studios acting as the main collaborator. By facilitating the program, Dimensions played a critical role in identifying talent, guiding the initial development phase, and preparing the teams for successful incubation within the KACST ecosystem.

The graduating ventures stand as powerful proof of this model's effectiveness. The first, Virexa Technologies (https://virexa.tech), has developed an intelligent, voice-enabled 3D printing system that uses Generative AI and Natural Language Processing to make technology accessible to individuals with disabilities. Their journey through the program culminated in a fully functional prototype and the filing of a U.S. patent for their invention, solidifying their status as a promising new spin-off focused on inclusive maker-space solutions.

The second graduate, EAGraphbone, is pioneering the future of orthopedic care with its advanced artificial bone cement technology. Their nanocomposite material, reinforced with silver nanoparticles and graphene oxide, offers superior mechanical strength and antibacterial properties, underscoring the Kingdom's growing capacity for producing deep-tech healthcare solutions and advanced biomaterials. (https://kvp32.com/HealthSector/project/134)

These projects exemplify the success of the KVP2.0 initiative in empowering local innovators. By serving as the operational partner that connected aspiring entrepreneurs with KACST's incubation resources, Dimensions Startup Studios helped ensure that scientific insights were effectively transformed into market-ready solutions. This successful graduation cohort marks a significant step toward fostering the local entrepreneurship and deep-tech development central to Saudi Vision 2030.

Dimensions Showcases Innovation at the AGI Conference

Dimensions made a remarkable appearance at the recent Alfaisal Gaming and Innovation Conference (AGI), hosted by Alfaisal University, highlighting its diverse studios, innovation programs, and startup initiatives. Visitors to the Dimensions booth were treated to an immersive experience, exploring the full range of our innovative offerings and learning about the exciting programs driving our studios. The booth also featured startup companies from SparkTank incubatees, offering attendees a firsthand look at the creative projects nurtured within Alfaisal’s innovation ecosystem.

The conference served as a powerful platform for Dimensions to highlight its commitment to creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with our team and our SparkTank incubatees, witness live demonstrations, and explore the real-world applications of our incubatees' startup projects across multiple industries.

Dimensions and KACST KVP2.0 Initiative

Dimensions Startup Studios for Innovation and Design Thinking recently hosted the KACST-NTDP introductory lecture on the KVP2.0 initiative. The event called for submissions from all aspiring innovators within the community, offering a unique opportunity to translate research and technical insights into viable businesses. This reflects Dimensions Startup Studios’ dedication to nurturing innovation among university students and researchers. The event, which took place on Thursday, October 31st, was led by Dr. Tarek Mokhtar – Director of the Dimensions Startup Studios, and focused on empowering future entrepreneurs by outlining application requirements and detailing the resources available through KVP2.0.

Key highlights of the event included insights from notable speakers such as Eng. Khalid AlMotawa, the Director of Entrepreneurship at NTDP, and the Director of Marketing and Technology Transfer, who shed light on the program’s offerings, including access to expert mentors, workshops, and project funding. The collaboration between KACST and Alfaisal University was also emphasized to showcase their joint commitment to enabling innovation within the community. Alfaisal University aims to serve as a launching pad for emerging innovators, while KACST’s support is instrumental in nurturing a new generation of creative minds.

Through the expertise and resources offered by NTDP KVP2.0, participants are equipped to embark on successful entrepreneurial journeys, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the innovation landscape.

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Dimensions Startup Studio Honors Innovathon 2024 Winners

Dimensions Startup Studios at Alfaisal University reaffirmed dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship through the annual INNOVATHON initiative, a competition challenging participants to develop groundbreaking solutions for humanity. Winners earned a year-long placement in the SparkTank Incubation Program, transforming ideas into impactful startups.

On February 20th, a recognition ceremony celebrated these innovators. Dr. Khaled AlKattan, VP of Administration and Finance, Dean of the College of Medicine, and Dr. Tarek Mokhtar, Director of Dimensions Startup Studios and DaVinciAT Research Center, awarded certificates to the winners, acknowledging their achievements. The event also honored the College of Medicine graduate, Dr. Lara AlSamhan, ranked 6th among Saudi entrepreneurs in GSEA, and introduced Dr. Mohammed Alamoudi’s ResPar startup, Dimensions’ first spin-off company, set to launch soon

As Dimensions continues to empower future entrepreneurs and innovators, INNOVATHON and SparkTank solidify Alfaisa Univeristy’s position as a hub for cutting-edge innovation and impact-driven entrepreneurship.

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INVENT

Talks

AI-Powered Creativity Series I: "AI-Powered Creativity Series Workshop - Episode 1: What's Next in Creativity. "

Imagine a realm where creativity intertwines with the forefront of artificial intelligence, creating the future that’s not only innovative but profoundly transformative. This vision is no longer a distant dream but an imminent reality, and a INVENT Studios for Design Thinking and Innovation - a key part of the four distinctive studios of Dimensions Startup Studios for innovation, entrepreneurship and design thinking- we are at the helm of this groundbreaking journey.

“AI-powered Creativity Series,” a trailblazing event series dedicated to exploring the limitless possibilities of AI in creativity, innovation, design thinking, creative entrepreneurship, and beyond

First Saudi Solarthon Empowering Solar Design Innovations.

On May 2024, Alfaisal University proudly hosted the first-ever Saudi SolarThon, an extraordinary gathering of minds focused on advancing solar energy technology. This event, held at our Dimensions INVENT Studio, attracted esteemed guest speakers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and OptimalPV.

Over two enlightening days, these experts provided specialized training in SolarPV system design, tailored to the unique environmental conditions of our region. Participants from our Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Architectural Engineering departments benefitted immensely, gaining invaluable insights into sustainable energy solutions.

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INVENT

Talks

AI-Powered Creativity Series I: "AI-Powered Creativity Series Workshop - Episode 2: AI in Architecture. "

Imagine a realm where creativity intertwines with the forefront of artificial intelligence, creating the future that’s not only innovative but profoundly transformative. This vision is no longer a distant dream but an imminent reality, and a INVENT Studios for Design Thinking and Innovation - a key part of the four distinctive studios of Dimensions Startup Studios for innovation, entrepreneurship and design thinking- we are at the helm of this groundbreaking journey.

“AI-powered Creativity Series,” a trailblazing event series dedicated to exploring the limitless possibilities of AI in creativity, innovation, design thinking, creative entrepreneurship, and beyond

INVENT

Solarthon 2.0

Following the success of the first-ever Saudi SolarThon, Alfaisal University is excited to announce SolarThon 2, a renewed opportunity to push the boundaries of solar energy innovation!

Building on last year’s impactful sessions, SolarThon 2 will bring together experts, industry leaders, and aspiring engineers to deepen their expertise in SolarPV system design and sustainable energy solutions tailored to our region’s unique challenges.

This year’s event will feature:

• Advanced training sessions led by specialists in solar energy technology

• Hands-on workshops at the Dimensions INVENT Studio

• Industry insights from top researchers and professionals

• Collaborative challenges to develop cutting-edge solar solutions

Stay tuned for further details on dates, guest speakers, and registration