Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) has concluded its EdTech and Assessment Hackathon in Riyadh, an event that brought together 197 innovators to develop 35 new startup projects. The initiative, held at the SME Support Center, focused on creating AI-powered solutions to address key challenges and opportunities within the Kingdom’s education sector.
Quick Facts
- 197 innovators and educators participated.
- 35 new EdTech startup projects were developed.
- The event focused on AI-driven education solutions.
Fostering Innovation Through Strategic Partnerships
Monsha’at organized the hackathon as part of its broader strategy to empower entrepreneurs and SMEs in the technology space. By partnering with the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC), the National eLearning Center, and Tatweer Education Holding Company, the initiative aimed to help innovators turn nascent ideas into commercially viable prototypes.
The competition attracted a diverse group of participants, including students, educators, and existing EdTech startups. They competed across several tracks, from developing digital teaching assistants and assessment tools to building school management platforms and accessibility technologies for learners with disabilities.
From AI Tutors to Inclusive Learning Tools
The event’s closing ceremony showcased several standout projects that highlight the growing sophistication of Saudi Arabia’s EdTech ecosystem. One team presented an integrated platform using AI and robotics to help visually impaired students learn more independently. Another project introduced a tool that allows educators to create curriculum-aligned educational video games.
Other notable innovations included a platform offering over 12,000 interactive lessons aligned with the Saudi national curriculum and an AI solution for grading exams that converts assessment data into actionable insights for teachers. Also featured was a customizable Arabic-language Learning Management System (LMS) specifically designed to support visually impaired students and those with special educational needs, pushing forward the agenda for more inclusive education.
About Monsha’at
Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) is a government entity responsible for organizing, supporting, and sponsoring the SME sector in the Kingdom. It aims to increase the productivity of SMEs and their contribution to the GDP, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: Entarabi
