The Institutional Innovation Department, under the Office of the Vice President for Planning at Kuwait University, organized an event in celebration of World Innovation Day under the theme: “Innovation as a Driver of Development: From Challenges to Opportunities.” The event was attended by a group of innovators, academic and administrative leaders, and featured an accompanying exhibition showcasing innovative student projects and initiatives, as well as inventions and research by faculty members.
On this occasion, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Support Services, Prof. Mohammad Ali Al-Mulla, delivered a speech on behalf of the Vice President for Planning, in which he reaffirmed Kuwait University’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation as one of the core pillars of its strategic plan. He emphasized the university's belief in the vital role of innovation in building an academic environment that stimulates both scientific and economic development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the national development plan.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ali Al-Sabaie, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering and Petroleum. The panel explored the importance, challenges, and opportunities of innovation in both local and global contexts, highlighting the university's role in empowering youth and supporting practical, innovative projects.
Panelists included:
•    Mr. Neda Al-Dehani, Director General of Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, who spoke about the center’s role in nurturing talents and its efforts to support innovation in scientific and engineering fields, particularly through the Engineering Ideas Incubation Program in collaboration with IE University.
•    Dr. Fawaz Mohammad Al-Za’bi, Associate Professor at the College of Dentistry and a patent holder, who discussed the importance of integrating innovation into academic curricula, especially in the medical fields.
•    Dr. Fahad Zaman, member of the Space Center team and Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, who shared his experience with the “Kuwait Sat” project, emphasizing that Kuwait provides fertile ground for scientific innovation despite existing challenges.
•    Ms. Sara Al-Zaabi, Head of Human Resources at CINET, who highlighted the private sector’s role in supporting innovative work environments and the development of human capital.
The event, organized by the Institutional Innovation Department, aimed to promote a culture of innovation within the university, encourage colleges and departments to launch sustainable creative projects that serve both the university and the broader community, and strengthen Kuwait’s position as a regional hub for knowledge and innovation.