The first Industrial University Projects Hackathon brought together engineering students from the University of Jeddah to develop practical solutions for industrial challenges.
Johnson Controls Arabia has highlighted the work of Saudi engineering students who developed solutions to real-world industrial challenges as part of the first Industrial University Projects Hackathon, held in collaboration with the University of Jeddah.
The closing ceremony took place on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at the Rixos Hotel in King Abdullah Economic City. The event also marked the achievements of the Ghadi Training and Development Program, another Johnson Controls Arabia initiative focused on developing Saudi talent.
The ceremony featured presentations of the participating projects, recognition of the winning teams and the announcement of the second edition of the hackathon.
The event was attended by the President of the University of Jeddah, His Excellency Prof. Obaid Al-Mudhaff, along with senior university leaders.
18 Engineering Projects Across Two Disciplines
The first hackathon brought together approximately 50 engineering students from the University of Jeddah.
The students developed 18 engineering projects and solutions across two primary tracks:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
The initiative is designed to strengthen the connection between university education and the practical requirements of industry. It gives students an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to challenges drawn from real industrial environments.
Dr. Mohanad AlShaikh, Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Controls Arabia, said the initiative reflects the company’s focus on developing Saudi engineering talent and strengthening collaboration between education and industry.
“This Hackathon demonstrated the value of strong collaboration between education and industry.”
AlShaikh added that the company is using the hackathon and its training initiatives, including the Ghadi Program, to build partnerships with Saudi universities and prepare engineers and innovators who can contribute to the competitiveness of Saudi industry and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Connecting Students With Industry
Johnson Controls Arabia is also expanding opportunities for students to gain exposure to industrial environments.
The company’s YORK Manufacturing Complex is expected to welcome its 10,000th student visitor by October 2026.
The milestone reflects the company’s broader effort to give students direct exposure to manufacturing operations and help bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial practice.
Ghadi Program Expands Saudi Talent Pipeline
The closing ceremony also highlighted the progress of the Ghadi Training and Development Program.
The name Ghadi reflects the meaning of “my tomorrow and my future.” The program brings together Johnson Controls Arabia’s training and development initiatives for non-employees under a single framework.
Its objective is to provide students and graduates with practical experience and professional skills while developing a pipeline of qualified Saudi talent for the workforce.
Since its launch, Ghadi has welcomed more than 350 Saudis from 26 public and private universities, colleges and educational institutions.
Participants have come from a range of academic disciplines and have taken part in training pathways across different Johnson Controls Arabia business areas.
In 2026 alone, the program has trained more than 185 graduates to date. The company aims to increase that figure to 300 trainees by the end of the year.
The program has also generated employment outcomes. More than 60 graduates have secured full-time positions with Johnson Controls Arabia, out of more than 250 trainees who successfully completed the program.
Looking ahead, Johnson Controls Arabia aims to reach more than 1,500 trainees through Ghadi by 2030.
Engineering and Technical Skills Remain a Focus
Engineering and technical disciplines account for a significant share of participation in the program.
According to Johnson Controls Arabia, 63% of Ghadi participants specialize in engineering and technical disciplines.
The program’s training pathways have included:
- More than 100 cooperative training opportunities
- 45 summer internships
- 39 beneficiaries of the Tamheer Program
- An average training period of four months
These programs are intended to provide participants with exposure to workplace practices while helping them develop skills relevant to industrial and technical careers.
Building the Next Generation of Saudi Engineers
The Industrial University Projects Hackathon and Ghadi Program form part of Johnson Controls Arabia’s broader approach to corporate social responsibility, sustainability and human capital development.
The initiatives also reflect the growing emphasis on closer collaboration between universities and industry in Saudi Arabia.
By combining academic projects, industrial exposure, internships and structured training, Johnson Controls Arabia is seeking to create clearer pathways from university education to employment.
The announcement of a second edition of the Industrial University Projects Hackathon indicates that the company plans to continue this approach, giving more Saudi engineering students opportunities to work on practical industrial challenges and develop solutions with potential real-world applications.