With MU rector, Dr. Al-Mugren as a patron, the 3rd edition of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award and associated exhibition were held at the auditorium of main campus in the presence of Eng. Abdul Aziz Al-Hugeil – sponsor of the award – who was received by vice-rectors, Prof. Mohammed Al-Shaye, Dr. Musallam Al-Dosari and Dr. Ahmed Al-Rumaih.
The ceremony began with a recitation of the Koran followed by a speech for Dr. Bakheet Al-Rasheedi – director of Innovation Center – where he explained that MU strives to hold such scientific forums to create an atmosphere of competition among students and community individuals. He added that this award is an attempt from MU to contribute with substance and value in supporting the talents and innovation of youths which will assist to building up a society that is concerned about knowledge. A documentary film was presented to audience about the basic idea of the award and the major achievements locally and worldwide. Addressing the audience, Eng. Al-Hugeil gave a speech where he commended the efforts made by MU in the field of innovation and knowledge. “ The great concern of the university in activating scientific research, innovation and patents to compete worldwide universities was so vivid” added Al-Hugeil. Prof. Al-Shaye, Vice-rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, attributed the major achievements with buildings, facilities and faculty members to the strategic plan of the university. 95% of the buildings used are owned by the university after a long time of renting buildings. More than 450 scholarship-students were sponsored by the university worldwide and not less than 220 saudi faculty members were recruited. The number of papers published by the university has exceeded 2400 papers in various fields, explained Prof. Al-Shaye.Prof. Al-Shaye stressed that the primary aim of this award is to promote the concept of innovation and invention among students and the whole nation. The award has four sections: outstanding creativity prize where a form is submitted explaining the functions and solutions of the invention; outstanding entrepreneurship project where a description is provided for preliminary stages of economic feasibility study; graduation projects where a project of graduation in scientific major is submitted; and best college or educational institution in innovation, entrepreneurship and graduation project.
