Saudi Universities Showcase Innovations at Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions
In a groundbreaking display of creativity and ingenuity, 26 Saudi Arabian universities are participating in the 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions. Led by Mohammed Al-Sudairi, the Saudi deputy minister of education for universities, research, and innovation, the Kingdom’s pavilion is buzzing with excitement.
A total of 113 inventions spanning scientific, theoretical, medical, and biological specializations are being showcased by the universities, including 19 government universities, two independents, and five private bodies. Among them, Qassim University stands out with its innovative contributions.
Abdulaziz bin Bani Alharbi, a faculty member at Qassim’s College of Agriculture and Food, unveiled a revolutionary method for desalinating salt water using a halophyte plant. This patent, registered with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, involves a closed system that collects water from the plant after the transpiration process, followed by gas exchange and desalination to obtain salt-free water.
Fahad Alminderej, from the College of Science, shared his group’s patent for extracting materials from date waste and utilizing them in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This innovative approach has also been registered with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.
Abdullah Almohaimeed, head of the Innovation Center and Intellectual Property at Qassim University, emphasized the university’s commitment to enhancing the international presence of Saudi universities through participation in such prestigious events. This initiative aligns with national objectives and underscores the university’s role in supporting the innovation system and entrepreneurship.
The exhibition, running until April 21, features over 1,000 inventions from 40 countries, with 800 exhibitors and an expected attendance of 30,000 visitors and 650 journalists. As the world’s largest annual event dedicated to invention, the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions continues to inspire and showcase groundbreaking innovations from around the globe.