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Students from across all campuses participate in annual global innovation challenge
After six successful years under Texas A&M University at Qatar’s (TAMU-Q) enrichment program, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) organized its first Invent for the Planet (IFTP) competition. The event formed part of an annual global innovation challenge addressing topics such as environmental affairs, energy solutions, social issues, improving developing nations, and resource equity.
Held February 7-9, IFTP 2025 attracted 8 teams from across Education City to participate in a 48-hour intensive design experience to tackle real-world problems and develop impactful solutions. Contestants researched their assigned topics, collaborated with mentors, and developed prototype solutions. Each team then presented its proposed solution to a panel of judges composed of faculty from Education City and industry experts.
First Place and a prize of QAR 6000 went to Team DeepBlue, a team of students from HBKU and TAMU-Q. Comprising Majd Al-Daba, Aiman Ali, Elyas Al-Amri, Hayyam Iqbal, Mohammed Bakri, and Mohamed Rayan, Team DeepBlue developed OmniWave 1.0, a system that provides clean, renewable, and affordable energy to impoverished coastal regions through utilizing the harmonic motion of waves. The team also won the best video pitch and best prototype awards.
Speaking after receiving her awards, Majd Al-Daba, an engineering undergraduate enrolled in the College of Science and Engineering's Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program, said: “Participating in Invent for the Planet was an incredible experience that pushed me to think critically, collaborate effectively, and innovate under pressure. Seeing students from different EC universities come together, each bringing unique perspectives, was truly inspiring. The diversity in both participants and ideas showcased the power of collaboration in tackling real-world challenges.”
Majd and her Team DeepBlue colleagues will now compete for Qatar in the global edition of Invent for the Planet, which takes place between April 8 and 10 at Texas A&M University. This stage features teams from over 50 academic institutions from around the world.
“We’re delighted to have taken over this fantastic initiative from our colleagues at TAMU-Q,” commented Dr. Ala Al-Fuqaha, Acting Provost and Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning. “The competition appeals to students passionate about technology, engineering, sustainability, or making a difference within their communities. This resonates with our university’s commitment to unlock human potential by facilitating positive transformation in Qatar, the region, and the world. We look forward to delivering future editions of IFTP for the Education City community.”
Organized locally by HBKU’s Student Enrichment Program in collaboration with TAMU-Q under the stewardship of the Meloy Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program Texas A&M University, IFTP regularly attracts contestants from over 60 universities in 30 different countries.