RIYADH — The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) announced the winners of the Internet of Things (IoT) challenge, organized in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority's (Monsha'at) Thakaa Center.

The announcement was made at a ceremony attended by Governor of CITC Dr. Muhammad bin Saud Al-Tamimi and the Governor of Monsha'at, Eng. Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed.

Firnas Aero won the first place bagging a cash prize of SR200,000 for presenting an innovative product in “Transportation and Logistics” path. iOcean was placed second with a cash prize of SR150,000 for their innovation in “Improve Quality of Life” path. The third prize of SR100,000 was won by Qinwan for their innovation in “Green and Smart Buildings” path.

Commenting on this occasion was Deputy Governor for Information Technology and Emerging Technologies at CITC, Raed Al-Fayez. He noted that the projects submitted in the challenge, in their various tracks, highlight the extent to which our national cadres possess innovative ideas.

"With unlimited support by our wise leadership, innovators can keep pace with the Kingdom's aspirations to strengthen the technology sector," he added.

The challenge is one of the authority's initiatives to enable entrepreneurs to put forward smart solutions that will equip them to develop innovative products based on the IoT in the areas most in need, added Al-Fayez.

This will further enable them to keep pace with the acceleration of innovation in emerging technologies in the Kingdom through unique, innovative ways to lead Saudi companies, contributing to achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, he said.

From his part, the Vice Governor of Monashaat for Entrepreneurship, Eng. Abdulmajeed Al-Omrani said the digital transformation has contributed to the development of digital infrastructure. It has improved the quality of life, facilitated access to services, and raised their efficiency. IoT-based technologies have provided incredible opportunities in the ongoing development phase we're experiencing, giving tremendous opportunities for many new innovative solutions, he said.

Al-Omrani added the objectives of the IoT challenge intersects with the strategic objectives of Monsha'at and CITC by spreading a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

"Through this challenge, we strive to increase the number of IoT startup companies, find solutions to address existing challenges and create new economic opportunities, while encouraging local talents to innovate," said Al-Omrani .

He added that Monsha'at is keen on promoting innovation and developing the Kingdom's science and technology fields and products to support the transformation into a knowledge society, encouraging innovative and talented developers and entrepreneurs in scientific, technical, and intellectual areas.

The IoT challenge aims to enable entrepreneurs to design smart solutions, provide innovative products based on IoT technologies in the areas most in need of them. The challenge also encourages national talents to increase the number of technology companies in IoT, find solutions to address the challenges in the area, and create new economic opportunities. — SPA