RIYADH — The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk”, through its Misk Entrepreneurship track, hosted the Super Apps Hackathon on April 18–19, 2025, at Misk City’s Al-Multaqa venue in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, Riyadh.
The event, held in collaboration with Balady Platform — a national smart city initiative — aimed to accelerate urban innovation and foster digital transformation through community-driven solutions. The hackathon served as a launchpad for emerging technologies designed to enhance public services and urban infrastructure across Saudi cities.
> “Innovation is the driving force behind future cities,” said Anas AlShaer, General Manager of Misk Entrepreneurship. “We are committed to equipping youth with the tools to build smart, sustainable solutions that improve urban life.”
Out of more than 1,000 applicants, 240 participants were selected, forming 56 teams representing diverse nationalities. Participants included specialists in AI and blockchain technologies, and received mentorship from industry experts throughout the competition.
The hackathon emphasized generative AI, blockchain, and data-driven decision-making, with teams tasked to develop rapid prototypes aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing quality of life. The event concluded with over 56 functional prototypes, and three winning teams were awarded financial prizes and entry into Misk’s “Start” program to continue their entrepreneurial journey.
– First place: Team “With Balady”, awarded for reimagining the Balady app experience to make public services more engaging and accessible.
– Second place: Team “Saffa-ha”, which introduced a real-time, data-driven platform for smart parking and valet services.
– Third place: Team “Smart Move”, which developed a monthly ridesharing platform tailored for university students in Riyadh.
Yasser AlObaidan, CEO of Balady Platform, praised the initiative’s outcomes:
> “We believe in the power of constructive innovation. This hackathon reflects our vision of smarter cities where connectivity, quality of life, and civic engagement evolve together.”
The Super Apps Hackathon is part of Misk’s broader mission to empower young innovators through specialized programs like the Misk School for Entrepreneurs, Misk Start, and the Misk Accelerator, helping transform ideas into viable ventures.
