1. Introduction

InVenture stands for innovation and ventures. It is a student-focused program aimed to challenge KFUPM students to innovative thinking and creativity that will lead to a tangible product. The KFUPM students InVenture Program is designed to empower students to harness their creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise to develop innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. It is further intended to encourage and recognize independent work from students working on innovative product concepts and prototypes. The program will be executed from the funds approved to Technology Advancement and Prototyping Centre (TAPC) by the KFUPM FUND.

2. Program Objectives

• To challenge students to creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• For students to gain hands-on experience in prototyping and product design and development.
• To provide a platform for students to network and collaborate with their peers from different majors, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
• To offer mentorship in product design and development.
• To create opportunities for students to develop and commercialize their ideas/product.

3. Organization

The program will be organized in two formats, namely Track I and Track II.

Track I is an open, all-year-round event where students submit an idea that can be turned into a viable product. This idea is evaluated by product development experts who guide the student through developing the concept to a viable product.

Track II is a pitch-type program where participants pitch ideas or early-stage products in thematic areas to be judged by product development experts. The selected teams are given all the support required to develop their product to a minimum viable product.

4. Benefits

• The program is providing an exciting opportunity for innovative and entrepreneurial students in any engineering field to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
• An avenue to demonstrate problem-solving, design thinking, and prototyping skills
• Top-ranked students in the competition will be recognized and continue to receive the support of TAPC in bringing new products to market.
• It offers the chance to receive mentorship and guidance from nationally and internationally renowned industry experts and faculty members.
• Opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience in product development and the potential for commercialization.

5. Modality

5.1 Key Dates

5.2 Eligibility

Undergraduate and graduate KFUPM students from all disciplines
Individuals and Teams of 3-4 students

5.3 Pre-Competition Event

Product Development Workshop: Registered teams will participate in a 2-day workshop led by industry experts and faculty mentors. The workshop will cover topics such as problem identification, ideation, design thinking, prototyping, and project management.

5.4 Product Development Bootcamp

Teams will participate in a boot camp led by international innovation and product development experts.

5.5 Project Submissions

Teams will submit a detailed presentation, project report and a prototype of their product by the submission deadline.
Projects will be evaluated based on criteria including innovation, problem-solving, technical feasibility, and presentation.

5.6 Final Presentations and Awards Ceremony

• Shortlisted teams will present their projects to a panel of judges.
  
• Judges will evaluate projects based on the criteria listed above.
  
• Winning teams will receive recognition and opportunities for further development.

5.7 Registration

Interested students can register for the program by completing the online form at:

Application Form

For more information, email us: TAPC@kfupm.edu.sa