Kuwaiti engineers made a remarkable impact at the IE Venture Day Madrid 2025, showcasing their creativity and talent. The event highlighted the Kuwaiti innovation spotlight, drawing attention to projects that combine technology and social impact. Among the participants, engineer Fatima Alenezi won the Best Global Pitch award for her educational device, Brailleiance. The device helps visually impaired and partially sighted primary school students learn curricula through touch-based technologies. Alenezi’s achievement demonstrates the potential of Kuwaiti innovators on the international stage.
The IE Venture Day recognized multiple startups developed by students and alumni. The overall winner was Spidey TEK, focused on producing plant-based spider silk. Other finalists included Neirion and Agrori, which received second and third prizes. Kuwait’s delegation impressed the judges and audience with creativity, practical solutions, and professional presentation skills. The event offered a platform for these engineers to connect with investors, mentors, and global innovators. This recognition further strengthened the Kuwaiti innovation spotlight.
The Kuwaiti delegation consisted of three engineers selected through the Engineering Ideas Incubation program, a partnership between the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity (SACGC) and IE University. The program began in May 2025 with more than 75 participants, undergoing months of training and evaluation. Only three finalists represented Kuwait at the event. The delegation was led by Hamad Al-Aftan, Director of Scientific Innovation at SACGC, who praised their dedication and hard work.
Other Kuwaiti projects included SPX, created by Dharia’a Al-Jumaa, an AI-powered platform that improves furniture sourcing processes for designers, contractors, as well as manufacturers. Additionally, Ahmed Salmeen presented LIVE, an AI tool for designing optimized spaces considering health, aesthetics, and lighting. Each engineer explained how the program allowed them to refine their ideas, receive mentorship, and present solutions on a global stage. They also expressed pride in representing Kuwait internationally.
Organizers and experts praised the Kuwaiti projects. Dr. Paris De L’Etraz, Managing Director of IE Venture Lab, called the projects “amazing” and acknowledged the engineers’ creativity. Juan Jose Guemes, Chairman of IE University’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center, expressed confidence in the Kuwaiti delegation finding investors. The engineers’ performance highlighted both technical skill and strategic thinking, demonstrating that Kuwait’s youth can compete globally. The event emphasized innovation, mentorship, as well as cross-cultural collaboration.
Overall, Kuwait’s participation at IE Venture Day Madrid 2025 shone a light on the country’s emerging talents. It showed how Kuwaiti innovation spotlight can inspire students and young professionals worldwide. The recognition of Alenezi, Al-Jumaa, and Salmeen affirms the value of investing in innovation programs and supporting gifted individuals. These achievements position Kuwait as a hub for creativity, technology, and international collaboration, reflecting a bright future for young innovators in the country.
