RIYADH: Judging began on Monday at the Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair, with panels starting to review 200 student innovations to select 68 winners.

The fifth stage of the 16th National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, known as Ibdaa, features 84 independent judges from over 40 public and private universities, as well as government and private research institutions.

Each project is evaluated by five judges using strict scientific standards to measure criteria including measure originality, research methodology and outcomes, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is hosting the competition at Riyadh’s Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz International Convention Center until Jan. 29.

The 200 finalist projects were selected from an initial pool of more than 34,000 submissions from earlier Olympiad stages. Entries were categorized across 22 scientific disciplines into four strategic tracks — leadership in energy and industry, environmental sustainability and basic needs, future economies, and human health.

Winners will have the opportunity to represent Saudi Arabia at major international and regional competitions, including the International Science and Engineering Fair in the US and exhibitions such as Malaysia’s ITEX and the Taiwan International Science Fair.

The exhibition goes beyond judging, featuring workshops, scientific presentations, educational sessions and informational pavilions hosted by knowledge partners.

The activities aim to enhance visitor engagement, raise awareness of research and innovation, and highlight national programs advancing talent development and creativity.