Riyadh Designathon Challenge Conclusion: Winners and Prizes | Architecture Commission

The Architecture and Design Arts Commission concluded the fourth edition of the Designathon Challenge, the premier event in the field of design and innovation, hosted by the capital, Riyadh, at the headquarters of the non-profit Mohammed bin Salman City (MiSK). The closing ceremony witnessed broad international participation and significant engagement, with more than 600 designers and creatives competing, selected from over 2,400 applicants, reflecting the growing appeal of this event on the regional and international stage.

Strengthening the creative economy and Vision 2030

This event comes within the context of the rapid cultural and creative movement taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of the objectives of Vision 2030, which places particular emphasis on the architecture and design sector as a cornerstone of the creative economy. The challenge aims to transform design from a mere aesthetic tool into a strategic means of solving complex problems, contributing to improving quality of life, and enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi cities to become among the world's smartest and most sustainable cities.

In this regard, the CEO of the Architecture and Design Arts Commission, Prince Nawaf bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, affirmed that Designathon has successfully transformed into an influential global platform. His Highness pointed out that the challenge lies not only in empowering talent but also in building national capabilities capable of addressing urban, environmental, and technological challenges, thus solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading destination on the global design map.

Challenge paths and innovative solutions

The fourth edition focused on delivering sustainable design solutions across three main tracks: “Design for All,” “Technology in Design,” and “Design from Place.” Participants adopted “Design Thinking” and “Participatory Design” methodologies, modern global approaches that ensure solutions stem from community needs and are practically applicable. One hundred and twenty-six teams qualified for the final stage, presenting their projects to a judging panel comprised of leading local and international experts.

List of winners and prizes

The authority awarded the winning teams with cash prizes exceeding 525,000 Saudi Riyals, distributed as follows:

• Design track for everyone: The “MUDD” team won first place, followed by the “VENTAA” team in second place, and the “ArchMade” team in third place.
• Technology track in design: The “FORMA” team won first place, the “CREATIVE CATALYST” team came in second, and the “THE HEROES” team came in third.
• Design track from the location: The “Sajjad Saf” team won first place, the “Samim” team came in second, and the “Shaddad” team came in third.

A legacy of global successes

This success was not a sudden occurrence, but rather an extension of a series of achievements by Designathon in its previous editions. Notably, the third edition set a global record by entering the Guinness World Records as the largest design hackathon in terms of the number of participants, underscoring the growing public awareness of the importance of design and its increasing role in the Saudi cultural landscape. The current edition provided a rich learning experience through workshops and mentoring sessions led by more than 45 experts, ensuring lasting impact and skill development.