Al-Mubarak: Supporting Economic Diversification Pathways in Kuwait

Under the patronage of the Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma, the awards ceremony for the winners of the fourth Kuwait International Competition to Support the Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology Ecosystem for Economic Diversification kicked off. Organized annually by Ecosystem for Management and Economic Consulting, this marks the fourth edition of the event. The ceremony was attended by senior figures from the diplomatic corps, as well as a select group of scientists, experts, inventors, and entrepreneurs from various countries around the world, aiming to consolidate Kuwait’s position as a regional and international hub attractive to investment and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Fatima Al-Sayed Hashem, Deputy Director General of the Public Authority for Youth and Sports, delivered the welcome address, highlighting that the Ministry of State for Youth and Sports Affairs empowers inventors, innovators, and youth initiatives to enhance skills and support the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the State of Kuwait. She also participated in presenting medals and plaques to distinguished guests and award winners. Additionally, Asil Al-Munifi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, participated in the event and was honored for her continuous efforts in supporting the digital economy and empowering the entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and technology ecosystem.

Dr. Hanadi Al-Mubarak emphasized in her speech the critical importance of supporting economic diversification pathways, in line with the directives of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to enable innovation and entrepreneurship and promote sustainable development, thereby strengthening Kuwait’s local, regional, and global standing in the fields of the digital economy, technology, and innovation. What distinguishes this international forum and gives it a unique character is the convergence of its objectives and outcomes with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 and the future visions of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab states toward building a sustainable digital economy based on innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence.

On the international front, the competition’s outcomes align with major global future strategies, such as the European Union’s digital transformation and smart city strategies and sustainable economy initiatives; the United Kingdom’s efforts to become a global leader in science, technology, biotechnology, and digital finance; Japan’s “Smart Society” model, which leverages artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things to address societal challenges; and the advanced technological entrepreneurship and venture capital support frameworks in the United States.

Al-Mubarak added that international competitions serve as a primary driver for national progress and prosperity. Economically, the competition focuses on creating entirely new knowledge-based sectors driven by digital innovation and opening broad local and global investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators. Technologically, it accelerates the development of digital infrastructure. Socially, it fosters a culture of innovation and talent, activating the role of communities in local and global competitions. Spiritually, it empowers scientists and innovators to participate internationally to elevate their societies, concluding with sincere thanks to sponsors, guests, and winners.

The statistics from the fourth edition in 2026 reflect the massive scale of the competition’s impact and international success. The event saw the participation of 600 experts, scientists, and inventors among the world’s leading minds and talents, with winners representing 20 countries featured in this thriving forum. The competition covered six main categories, including the latest advanced technology sectors, artificial intelligence, inventions, and startups, resulting in the awarding of medals, certificates of appreciation, and prizes to 60 distinguished winners.

Distinguished figures from Kuwait and the Gulf countries were honored, as were three winners from organizations supporting the award, including the Arab Organization for Sustainable Development and the Environment, the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, the Arab Organization for Information and Communication Technology (AICTO), and Cambridge International College.