Prince Sattam University students achieved a series of research and innovation successes during the 1447 AH academic year. Their awards covered engineering, healthcare, scientific research, technology and applied learning.
The achievements took place between August 2025 and June 2026. They included national competition wins, international participation and recognition for student research.
For students, the results highlight opportunities to apply university learning to practical challenges. For educators and university leaders, they also show how research-led education can support Saudi Arabia’s wider innovation ambitions.
Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University has also reported wider achievements in 2026, including three international medals at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions and a first-place result in the Gulf Robotics Challenge.
Prince Sattam University Students Lead Sustainable Engineering
One of the year’s most notable achievements came through the Shell Eco-marathon in Qatar.
A College of Engineering team developed vehicles for the Internal Combustion Engine and Hydrogen categories. The university became the first Arab university to participate with a hydrogen-powered vehicle, according to the university.
The hydrogen vehicle passed more than 120 technical inspections on its first attempt.
The university also recorded a strong result in the internal combustion category. Its SAQR team achieved 403.41 kilometres per litre and finished sixth in the prototype competition. It was the highest-placed Saudi team in that category.
The project gave students practical experience in energy efficiency, engineering design and sustainable transport.
The university has highlighted the project as an example of connecting classroom knowledge with real-world engineering challenges.
Students Progress In Robotics Competition
The College of Engineering also secured first place in the national round of the ninth GCC Robotics Challenge, according to the university.
The competition was organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology in collaboration with Effat University.
The student team developed robotic solutions linked to agriculture and environmental sustainability. Its result qualified the team to represent Saudi Arabia at the regional finals.
The achievement builds on the university’s earlier success in the competition. College of Engineering students previously qualified for a GCC Robotics Challenge final after finishing second in the eighth edition.
For students, such competitions provide opportunities to develop engineering, programming, problem-solving and teamwork skills outside conventional coursework.
Students Gain Recognition For Health, Sustainability And Scientific Research
Research achievements featured strongly across Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University’s health and science colleges.
Raghad Al-Mutairi, from the College of Dentistry, won first place in the Emerging Researchers category at the 37th Saudi International Dental Conference in February.
In May, Mubarak Al-Dosari from the College of Medicine won first place in the Oral Presentation Competition at the Eighth Student Research Day hosted by Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University.
His research examined predictive analysis of genetic variations in patients with multiple sclerosis. His presentation competed against 64 other entries.
Meanwhile, Joud Al-Meftah from the College of Pharmacy secured third place at the Fifth Pharmaceutical Scientific Conference in September.
Her research examined methods of protecting kidney cells from injury. The project was selected from 148 scientific submissions.
Students from the College of Science and Humanities also gained recognition for research linked to sustainable science.
A student team won second place at the Fourth Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University Student Projects Competition in December. The project used computational genomic analysis to examine ferulic acid biosynthesis gene families in Crambe hispanica, a plant species recently documented in NEOM.
The research could contribute to further study of sustainable biomedical and environmental applications.
Additionally, Master’s students Seham Al-Ahmari and Amjad Al-Daaj received Excellence Awards at the King Saud University Conference on Sustainable Development.
Their work focused on materials physics, clean energy and water purification. For postgraduate students, such recognition provides valuable experience in presenting research and communicating scientific findings.
Student Team Advances At Absher Hackathon
Technology students also secured national recognition.
Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi from the College of Engineering and Computer Science and his team, “Watheeq”, qualified through the Absher Hackathon in Riyadh.
The team competed against more than 2,000 teams from across Saudi Arabia. It progressed through several elimination stages before reaching the final 15 teams.
“Watheeq” was then selected among six overall winners. The team received major awards and admission to the National Technology Development Program.
The achievement highlights the growing role of hackathons in developing practical technology skills. Students can test ideas, work under pressure and build solutions for real-world challenges.
Culinary Arts Student Wins International Medal
The university’s achievements extended beyond traditional academic research.
Maha Bin Obaidan, a student in the Culinary Arts Diploma Programme at the Applied College, won a Bronze Medal at the HORECA Salon International Competition in Riyadh.
She presented the traditional Saudi dish Qursan to an international jury.
The judges assessed entries according to taste, presentation, food safety and innovation in presenting cultural heritage.
Her achievement demonstrates how applied education can connect professional skills with Saudi culture and heritage.
It also highlights the range of disciplines in which university students can gain competitive experience.
How Student Research And Innovation Support Saudi Vision 2030
The achievements demonstrate how university education can connect academic study with Saudi Arabia’s national priorities under Vision 2030.
Projects focused on hydrogen technology, fuel efficiency, robotics, healthcare, clean energy, water purification and digital technology. These areas support the Kingdom’s ambitions for innovation, sustainability and economic diversification.
Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University has also highlighted sustainability and industry collaboration as important parts of its wider development strategy. Times Higher Education has reported on the university’s work with industry around sustainable innovation and student projects.
For students, these opportunities provide experience that complements their academic qualifications. They also help learners develop communication, teamwork, research and problem-solving skills.
The range of awards shows what applied higher education can achieve. Students are not only competing for academic recognition. They are also developing solutions linked to energy, healthcare, sustainability, technology and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, competitions give students a platform to present their work beyond the university. For educators, this reinforces the value of research projects, practical learning and external competitions.
For university leaders, the achievements highlight the importance of creating pathways from academic study to innovation. Ultimately, they show how student talent can contribute to university success and wider national development.
For more details please visit
Further Reading
- Qassim University Summer Club Combines Science Sport And Practical Learning
- New American School In Riyadh To Bring STEM And Character Education Together