The College of Computer and Information Sciences, represented by the Artificial Intelligence Center at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, in collaboration with Elm Company, has launched the first edition of the “Thakaathon” Hackathon, with the participation of 150 teams comprising approximately 640 participants from 16 colleges, including the University’s students and graduates, to develop innovative solutions using artificial intelligence technologies specialized in Arabic natural language processing. The hackathon will continue until Wednesday, 29 April 2026. The hackathon aims to encourage innovation in artificial intelligence technologies and their various applications, discover talent, and enhance smart Arabic content through the development of solutions that support the Arabic language using advanced technologies. “Thakaathon” is based on two main phases: idea formulation and transforming ideas into applicable prototypes, within various tracks including Hajj and Umrah, education, law, tourism, culture, and health. The hackathon serves as an innovation platform that seeks to transform participants’ ideas into products that serve society through an applied educational environment that includes workshops, mentoring sessions, and technical support from specialized experts, leading up to the judging stages and the announcement of the winners. This reflects the growing interest in technological innovation and its intersection with various disciplines. The Director of the Artificial Intelligence Center at the College of Computer and Information Sciences, Dr. Shorouq Al-Sinan, explained that: “The launch of ‘Thakaathon’ represents a qualitative step for the Artificial Intelligence Center by empowering students and graduates to transform knowledge into technological solutions with sustainable impact.” For his part, the Executive Vice President of Marketing at Elm Company, Mr. Majed Al-Arifi, noted that: “Elm’s participation in the ‘Thakaathon’ Hackathon comes as an extension of its role in supporting national innovation and building technical capabilities, which enhances the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for innovation and advanced technologies.” In a related context, the Dean of the College of Computer and Information Sciences, Dr. Manal Al-Ohali, indicated that: “Hosting ‘Thakaathon’ comes within the framework of the College’s ongoing efforts to strengthen digital innovation and foster a competitive environment that supports creativity among students and talented individuals, thereby contributing to the development of digital solutions that serve society and align with the goals of digital transformation.” The launch of the “Thakaathon” Hackathon comes as part of the efforts of the Artificial Intelligence Center at the College of Computer and Information Sciences at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University to achieve leadership in various fields of artificial intelligence, thereby contributing to the preparation of national competencies capable of employing modern technologies to address societal challenges.