Saudi talent shines with innovative projects at ISEF 2026
The Saudi national science and engineering team has arrived in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, to participate in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair ( ISEF 2026). This prominent scientific event will take place from May 9th to 15th, featuring intense competition among more than 1,700 students representing approximately 70 countries from around the world, who will present their scientific ideas and innovations.
A rich history and a career full of achievements
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world’s largest pre-college science competition, established in the mid-20th century as the premier platform for discovering young, creative minds. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity “Mawhiba” and the Ministry of Education, has participated regularly in this international event since 2007. Throughout this long history, Saudi minds have demonstrated their exceptional capabilities, winning 185 awards to date, including 124 Grand Prizes and 61 Special Awards. In the most recent edition of the fair, the Kingdom achieved a historic milestone by ranking second globally in the number of Grand Prizes, after the United States.
High-quality projects representing the Kingdom at ISEF 2026
The Saudi team participating in ISEF 2026 a distinguished group of 42 students, both male and female, presenting high-quality and innovative projects in promising scientific fields. These talented students were selected from among the top winners of the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, "Ibdaa 2026." They qualified after a fierce competition that included more than 357,000 students who submitted over 34,000 scientific projects across 22 different fields. These projects underwent six rigorous evaluation stages, encompassing 16 regional exhibitions and four central exhibitions, culminating in the final selection following an intensive training camp at the "Mishkat" Interactive Center.
Record-breaking numbers and far-reaching global impact
The achievements weren't limited to mere participation; Mawhiba also secured a Guinness World Record for its "Ibdaa 2026" competition, recognized as the world's largest competition for innovative solutions. The significance of this event transcends mere competition; locally, this success aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a knowledge-based economy and develop its human capital. Regionally, these achievements inspire Arab youth and underscore the region's capacity to export knowledge. Internationally, Saudi innovations contribute to providing real solutions for contemporary global challenges, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a nation that supports scientific research and innovation.
Intensive preparation for creating future champions
To ensure a distinguished performance, participating students underwent intensive training programs implemented by Mawhiba in collaboration with leading international and local experts. These programs included diagnostic and selection tests and continued for a full year to develop students' skills in scientific research, analysis, and presentation. This meticulous preparation ensures that Saudi students will stand confidently on global podiums, showcasing their scientific abilities before judging panels comprised of distinguished international scientists and experts.
