STEMAIVERSE Heads to Jeddah with the Space Prize KSA Future Innovator Challenge

July 5–7, 2026 — Effat University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

We’re thrilled to share that STEMAIVERSE has been selected as the on-the-ground delivery partner for the inaugural Space Prize KSA 'Future Innovator Challenge', hosted at Effat University this July. Together with the Space Prize Foundation, we’ll be running the flagship Jeddah Space Camp from July 5–7, 2026. This event will feature astronaut talks, rocket builds, and AI-powered STEM exploration for 80–100 young innovators from across Jeddah.

Space Prize Launches First-Ever KSA Future Innovator Challenge

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — The Space Prize Foundation is a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing gender equity and youth participation in the space economy. They have announced the launch of the Space Prize KSA Future Innovator Challenge. This initiative empowers students ages 12–18 to shape the technologies of tomorrow.

Anchored in the Kingdom’s rapidly advancing STEAM ecosystem, the Challenge aligns with Vision 2030. It invites students from across Saudi Arabia to explore the future of space, sustainability, and innovation. The program includes a flagship Jeddah Space Camp and a final awards ceremony during the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in October 2026.

“Our mission is to democratize access to space education. Saudi Arabia’s vision for technological advancement and its investment in young innovators make the Kingdom a pivotal launchpad for the future of space,” said Roman Chiporukha, Founder of the Space Prize Foundation. “At its core, Space Prize KSA reflects a simple but powerful belief: Saudi youth are ready to lead the world in the sciences of the future.”

The Role of Effat University

Central to this mission is the support of Effat University. This institution serves as the academic and innovation hub for the program. As a pioneer in transformative education, Effat University provides the advanced infrastructure and research environment necessary to nurture young talent. By hosting the intensive Jeddah Space Camp in July 2026, the university acts as a bridge between classroom learning and the professional space industry. This fosters an ecosystem where technical skill meets entrepreneurial vision.

Mission: RedCode Challenge

The competition begins with the Mission: RedCode Challenge. In this phase, schools nominate students to participate in the intensive Space Camp in July 2026. This camp will host 80–100 young innovators who will take part in hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions, and technical challenges led by industry educators. Performance at the camp will contribute to each student’s final evaluation. Factors like teamwork, curiosity, participation, and initiative will be assessed.

Qualifying participants will advance to the Innovation Video Challenge. They will submit a two-minute concept video using animation, modeling, or digital tools. Judging will emphasize creativity, communication, and technical feasibility.

Educational Impact Across the Kingdom

To ensure meaningful educational impact across the Kingdom, school participation in the Space Prize open-source curriculum is mandatory for student eligibility. During the national rollout, the Space Prize team will meet with principals, Heads of Science, and academic directors. They will introduce the curriculum and support its integration into coursework, STEM days, and after-school clubs.

Four top innovators will each receive high-value prizes and elite honors. They will also gain ongoing mentorship and advanced experiential learning opportunities. Additional prizes and recognitions will be revealed during the program’s concluding moment at FII.

Saudi Arabia's Legacy in Space

Saudi Arabia is a regional and global leader in advanced digital systems, AI infrastructure, satellite operations, and applied innovation. The Kingdom’s legacy in human spaceflight began in 1985 when Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud became the first Arab, first Muslim, and first Saudi to travel to space at just 28 years old. Saudi Arabia expanded this legacy by sending its first female astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, to the International Space Station in 2023 alongside Ali AlQarni. This historic milestone signaled Saudi Arabia’s commitment to empowering women in science and expanding its role in human spaceflight.

Space Prize KSA builds on this foundation by asking students to consider how technology has transformed life across the Kingdom. They will imagine the innovations that will define Saudi society in 2040. Students will explore the nation’s role in future space missions and examine how space science connects to sustainability, climate resilience, and Vision 2030.

Proven Global Model

The Space Prize Foundation brings a proven global model to the Kingdom. Across its international challenges, the foundation has increased young women’s interest in STEM by 32%. It has engaged students in hands-on space experiences ranging from ZERO-G flights to CubeSat missions. Its open-source Space Education Curriculum, developed by practicing teachers and space experts, includes 8 modules, 40 sections, 500+ sources, and 135 educational videos. This makes it the world’s most comprehensive free resource for space education.

For program details, school participation guidelines, and updates on the KSA Challenge, visit spaceprize.org or contact Dr. Maryam Sani at drmaryam@spaceprize.org.

About the Space Prize Foundation

The Space Prize Foundation is a nonprofit committed to promoting universal space literacy and gender equity in STEAM. Their goal is to build a more hopeful, inclusive future for humanity. While the inaugural Space Prize Challenge was launched specifically for high school women in New York City, the foundation has achieved significant global scale. Following successful expansions into Paris and Portugal, the 2026 Space Prize Challenges have evolved to include both boys and girls. This fosters a collaborative environment where all young innovators can thrive.

The foundation has also created its Space Education Curriculum, the first open-source space curriculum. This curriculum is dedicated to preparing students for the growing space economy and humanity’s rapidly approaching multi-planet future.

About STEMAIVERSE

STEMAIVERSE is a nonprofit on a mission to make AI-powered STEM education accessible to every young person, regardless of background or geography. As the delivery partner for the Space Prize KSA Future Innovator Challenge, STEMAIVERSE is leading on-the-ground program execution in Jeddah. This includes school engagement, curriculum integration, and running the Jeddah Space Camp at Effat University this July.

To nominate students, register your school, or get involved, visit stemaiverse.com/redcode or email hello@stemaiverse.com.