The current version of the KAUST Challenge “Shaping the Future of Media” implemented by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in partnership with the Asbar World Forum is supported by a group of decision-makers and stakeholders involved in the development of the innovation and entrepreneurship system, both on the local, and international levels.

The list of KAUST Challenge partners locally includes the Ministry of Investment, the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises "Monsha'at", the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, the General Commission for Audiovisual Media, the Saudi Press Agency, and the Saudi Federation for Electronic Sports. The challenge is supported by a group of local sponsors, including STC and Riyad Bank, who are joined by Facebook; Google, and Microsoft, on the international level.

On this occasion, Esraa Mansour Asiri, CEO of the General Committee for Audiovisual Media, congratulated King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the Asbar World Forum for this initiative, which aims to offer the best talent, and innovative solutions, that will help fortify the digital media sector, noting that the Digital transformation is a critical success factor for the country, especially in the post-coronavirus era. She emphasized: "The digital media sector, in particular, would help us achieve this, as well as allow us to pass this important period."

While Olayan Al Wetaid, CEO of STC Group, stated that “we can only make our digital economy competitive by taking advantage of innovative ideas,” adding that the company’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to inspiring innovation and advancing digital transformation through collaboration that would improve the quality of life, and would lead to building a prosperous and sustainable future for everyone in the Kingdom, as well as the rest of the world.

Mr. Tariq Al-Sadhan, CEO of Riyad Bank, stated: "We believe in the idea of ​​cooperation to build our nation." He added, "The more we combine our efforts in regards to innovation and development, the better the outcome. Competitions like the KAUST Challenge have multiple benefits: they inspire youth, stimulates research and innovation that helps advance the economy, and pave the way to a more sustainable future."

On her part, Mrs. Sarah Al-Manjour, the Director of Entrepreneurship Centers at the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises in Monshaat, explained that the KAUST challenge is in line with the entity’s main objective of supporting small and medium businesses, which, in turn, are crucial to the entrepreneurial culture of the country.