Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has concluded its participation in the 49th Geneva International Invention Exhibition, held in Geneva, Switzerland during the period 17-21 April 2024. The exhibition was organized under the auspices of the Swiss government, the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). During the event, the university received a number of international awards for its participation.
The Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions is one of the most important and largest events in the world, where models of inventions from different countries are showcased. It represents a public booth to feature thousands of innovations and inventions across various fields such as engineering, environmental protection, energy, and other diverse sciences and industries.
Dr. Sawsan A. Al-Momen, the head of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the supervisor of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University's participation in the exhibition, explained that the university's participation came as part of a booth that includes the participation of Saudi universities, in order to enhance the soft power of the Kingdom by being present in international forums. Also, the participation highlights the latest inventions of Saudi universities at the international level, in addition to international competition, achieving advanced positions, exchanging expertise, and exploring international inventions. Furthermore, it aims to communicate with those interested in commercially marketing inventions, and unifying the efforts of universities in the field of inventions.
Dr. Sawsan further added that the university participated with a number of inventions by its faculty members, including from the Colleges of Medicine and Engineering, and from the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. The College of Medicine introduced the invention "AutiScan" designed by Dr. Sarah Al-Muzaidi, and the students: Aroub Al-Rumaih, Reem Bin Shalhoub, Renad Al-Duhaim, and Lojain Al-Mutairi. AutiScan focuses on screening for autism spectrum disorder in children, through the eye using a virtual reality device and an integrated camera to examine the fundus of the eye. The College of Engineering has participated with the invention "Developed Pen to Measure Blood Sugar Level", which consists of three interconnected parts, by the student Ahmed Al-Rouqi. Additionally, affiliates of the Innovative Program at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center also participated, with the invention "Yaqeen Mattress", the smart mattress, by Saeedah Al-Malki. In addition, the student Dawlah Al-Sulayman has participated with the invention "Smart Chemical Regulation of Temperature" (SCRT), by inventing a medical technology that provides a proactive solution to reduce the temperature of children during sleep.
All the inventions have been awarded gold and bronze medals respectively, Dr. Sawsan Al-Momen added that The University's participation in the Geneva International Exhibition is part of the efforts by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center to support the achievement of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University's strategic objectives for 2025 which is aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The center aims to enhance and encourage innovation among the university's affiliates, achieve the goals of sustainable development, build connections with the global community, and establish an impactful international presence for the university.
On his part, Dr. Khaled A. Al-Muhanna, the supervisor of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Department at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, who also participated in the university's delegation at the exhibition emphasized the various forms of support provided by the center to the participants and innovators, as well as the development and preparation of all the innovations that were showcased.
In the same context, the participants expressed their delight and pride in participating in the exhibition, as Ahmad Al-Rouqi explained that his participation in the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions is a great addition to his academic journey, and that his participation in such exhibitions provides him the opportunity to meet with many investors. He also conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to the university, the center, and the College of Engineering. In addition, Saeedah Al-Malki expressed her feelings of pride in being among the innovators and inventors participating in the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions. She mentioned that participating in such international events contributes to increasing knowledge of modern technologies and learning about the latest innovations and inventions. She also noted that it provides an opportunity to connect with factories and explore potential collaboration. Lastly, she extended her sincere gratitude to the university and the center for their support and efforts.
Dr. Sawsan Al-Momen expressed her deep gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yusuf A. Al-Banyan, for the support provided by the Ministry of Education in enhancing and encouraging the system of innovation at universities, and supporting Saudi inventors. She also extended her thanks to His Excellency the President of the University, Prof. Ahmed S. Al-Aameri, and His Excellency the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Abdullah A. Al-Tamim, for their continuous efforts and support, contributing to the success of the participation in this largest global exhibition dedicated exclusively to inventions.
Dr. Sawsan Al-Momen further thanked and expressed appreciation to the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman M. Al-Kharashi, for the support provided by the Student Fund to the participating students and their counterparts. She also thanked the Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Hassan A. Al-Shehri, and the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Nashmi H. Al-Rashidi, for encouraging the participation of their college members. Dr. Al-Momen congratulated all the participants and their families on their achieved success.
Additionally, a delegation of distinguished guests, including His Excellency the Vice Minister for Universities, Prof. Mohammed A. Al-Sudairyi, His Excellency the Deputy Minister for University Education, Prof. Abdulmonem A. Al-Hayani, and Abdulmohsen M. Bin Khothaila, the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, visited the pavilion of Imam University. They were received by Dr. Sawsan Al-Momen, the head of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, and Dr. Khalid A. Al-Muhanna, the supervisor of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Department.
