Held in August 2025, the competition attracted young minds eager to leverage AI technology for practical applications in retail and community-driven sustainability. The overarching goal was to develop solutions that could seamlessly transition from idea to pilot stage, demonstrating a direct impact on both environmental and economic aspects of sustainability. The hackathon’s emphasis on AI was designed to encourage innovative thinking among the youth while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability goals.
Among the diverse range of proposals, several stood out for their practicality and potential to be integrated into existing retail frameworks. One notable solution involved a water reuse system tailored for cafés. By using AI algorithms to optimise water usage, the project aimed to significantly reduce waste, particularly in water-scarce regions. The solution’s potential to save millions of litres annually could be a game changer for the hospitality sector, a key player in Saudi Arabia’s economy.
Another noteworthy project proposed a novel approach to packaging, focusing on mycelium as a sustainable material. The team’s AI-powered system aimed to create biodegradable packaging solutions that could replace traditional plastic in retail environments, contributing to waste reduction and the promotion of circular economy principles. This innovation was hailed for its potential to not only reduce environmental impact but also support the transition to sustainable packaging practices within the retail and food industries.
As the hackathon progressed, participants also delved into ways AI could streamline waste management. Several teams presented intelligent systems designed to track waste in real-time, allowing businesses to adjust operations to minimise waste generation. This technology could play a crucial role in achieving circular economy targets, with AI providing the insight needed to optimise supply chains, reduce unnecessary consumption, and promote resource efficiency.
Customer engagement also featured prominently in the solutions presented. One team proposed an AI-driven platform designed to increase consumer awareness of sustainability practices, offering rewards and incentives for those who engage in eco-friendly behaviours. By utilising gamification and targeted messaging, the platform aimed to create a stronger connection between consumers and sustainability efforts, ultimately driving behaviour change on a larger scale.
The winning team’s proposal, which focused on integrating AI into greener supply chains, was celebrated for its scalability. The team demonstrated how AI could be employed to track the entire lifecycle of a product, from sourcing to disposal, ensuring that sustainability was maintained at every stage. This solution could be applied not only in retail but across multiple sectors, enhancing transparency and accountability in supply chain operations.
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