AI HACKATHON

For People With Disabilities

One of the 7th International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation Events

A pioneering national initiative that combines technical innovation and social empowerment to design AI and robotics solutions serving people with disabilities

11–13 October 2026 Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prizes worth 220,000 SAR

Organizing Entity

King Salman Center for Disability Research

The organizing entity, and the leading national center of expertise in scientific research and innovation, is leading the hackathon both scientifically and administratively.

About the Hackathon

This hackathon brings together creative minds and advanced technologies to create real change in the lives of people with disabilities.

Vision

Enhancing a system that employs artificial intelligence and robotics to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families, while promoting independence.

Mission

To mobilize a diverse community of innovators across engineering, healthcare, technology, design, and entrepreneurship to collaboratively develop cutting-edge solutions tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Objective

To cultivate impactful, sustainable, and implementation-ready assistive technologies through structured innovation activities, multidisciplinary teamwork, and rigorous problem-solving methodology.

Hackathon Tracks

Four main tracks targeting different aspects of life for people with disabilities, combining technology and innovation.

Everyday Life & Assistive Technologies

Assistive home robots Robotic arms Mobility support systems Smart quality-of-life apps

Health & Rehabilitation

Robotic rehabilitation devices Movement analysis systems AI in diagnosis Remote rehabilitation platforms

Education & Access to Knowledge

Smart educational platforms Assistive reading tools Educational content access Adaptive learning materials

Hajj & Umrah Services (Comprehensive Experience)

Guidance & navigation systems Safety in crowds Booking & trip organization Field assistance tools

Target Groups

We invite all innovators and those interested in developing technical solutions serving people with disabilities — individuals and institutions alike.

Individuals

Students

University and technical college students interested in innovation

Engineers & Developers

Engineers and developers in programming, AI, and robotics fields

Healthcare & Rehabilitation Specialists

Doctors, therapists, and specialists in disability and rehabilitation

For students and professionals interested in developing technical solutions to serve the community and improve the lives of people with disabilities

Companies & Institutions

Startups

Startups in technology and artificial intelligence fields

Tech Companies

Tech companies specialized in developing smart solutions

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs seeking to launch innovative projects

For companies and entrepreneurs seeking to develop commercially viable solutions and scale in the market

Timeline

A structured journey from planning to execution.

Pre-Launch

01 Jan 2026

Team Registration

01 Feb – 15 Mar

Workshops and Idea Development

16 Mar – 15 Apr

Idea Submission and Initial Upload

16 Apr – 30 Apr

Announcement of Qualified Teams

25 May

Acceleration & Intensive Training Phase

01 Jun – 01 Sep

Final Submission Deadline Submit prototype, demo video, presentation deck, and impact report.

15 Sep 2026

Hackathon Final Evaluation & Winners

11–13 Oct 2026

Prizes

Total Prize Pool

220,000

Distributed across two main categories and a special award

Individuals

1st Place

45,000

2nd Place

30,000

Companies & Organizations

1st Place

75,000

2nd Place

50,000

Special Award

An additional award will be given to winners with disability

20,000

Evaluation Metrics

Weighted evaluation criteria for projects participating in the hackathon.

30% Impact of the Idea

25% Innovation & Creativity

20% Feasibility & Relevance

10% Sustainability & Scalability

10% Prototype Quality & Presentation

5% Safety & Reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about registration, tracks, prizes and participation.

You can view the details of each track in the Tracks section.

Participants choose the track that best fits their idea and technical skills during registration.

A team consists of 2 to 5 members. Individual participation is also accepted.

Please refer to the Evaluation Criteria section on this page for details on all judging criteria and their weights.

Preparatory training workshops cover AI and robotics basics, inclusive design principles, and the needs of people with disabilities.

See full details in the Prizes section. Two main categories: Individuals (1st: 45,000 SAR, 2nd: 30,000 SAR) and Companies & Institutions (1st: 75,000 SAR, 2nd: 50,000 SAR), plus a Special Award of 20,000 SAR for winners with disability.