Innovation isn’t just about technology—it could be about empathy, purpose, or the drive to solve real-world challenges. At RoboCon 2025’s Future Makers Forum, a team of exceptional students from Dar Al-Hekma University demonstrated just that. Their project, an app named “Nutqawi”, has earned them first place in a national competition that celebrates breakthrough ideas with real impact.
This achievement is considered way more than a single win—it’s a testament to the students’ brilliance, the university’s pioneering vision, and the promise of innovation led by women shaping the future of Saudi Arabia.
Dar Al-Hekma University: A Catalyst for Changemakers
Dar Al-Hekma University—the non-profit institution of higher education that was established in 1999—has long stood at the forefront of academic excellence in the Arabian Peninsula. Located in Jeddah, the private university fosters a learning environment where creativity, purpose, and progress converge.
Through innovative programs, outstanding faculty, and a strong commitment to empowering students—particularly young women—the university establishes a foundation for meaningful innovation. The impressive accomplishments of the Nutqawi team serve as a compelling testament to this mission.
Pioneering Excellence Across Disciplines
Dar Al-Hekma’s legacy of excellence spans across diverse fields—from health sciences and computer engineering to law and business. Each program is designed not only to educate but to inspire innovation.
For example, the university’s Master’s of Commercial Law program is a robust example of cultivating future legal professionals. This rigorous program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to empower students to navigate the complexities of global commerce and spearhead policy reform.
Graduates emerge from the program equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the legal challenges of an increasingly interconnected world, positioning them to lead alongside peers specializing in tech-driven innovation and drive meaningful advancements across industries.
The Spark of Innovation: Understanding “Nutqawi”
Early detection of developmental delays in communication is crucial, yet many children go unnoticed until much later in life. That’s the challenge that the Nutqawi team aimed to solve when they entered the Future Makers Forum at RoboCon 2025.
Developed by Dar Al-Hekma students, the app uses intelligent audio analysis to monitor how children communicate in different everyday situations. It listens to the child, identifies any signs of delay, and then provides individualized recommendations for early intervention and support.
This personalized, tech-enabled approach empowers parents and educators to act quickly, as soon as any indicators are detected, making a real difference during the most formative years of a child’s life. This makes Nutqawi more than an app; rather, it is a compassionate tool built on data, insight, and the desire to help every child reach their full potential.
The Brilliant Minds Behind the Breakthrough
The Nutqawi team includes four outstanding students from the College of Education and Health and Behavioral Sciences: Lamees Nasser Al-Nuwati, Nouf Abdullah Al-Amoudi, Bayan Salem Al-Rabiah, and Hala Omar Senior. Their academic journey at Dar Al-Hekma provided the perfect environment for creativity, research, and applied science.
Fueled by their shared passion for child development and guided by a multidisciplinary curriculum, the team collaborated across specialties to create a solution with lasting social value. Their success is a shining example of what happens when students are empowered to lead with purpose.
The Road to Victory: RoboCon 2025 & Beyond
Held at King Abdulaziz University, RoboCon 2025’s Future Makers Forum brought together some of the brightest student innovators from across the Kingdom. With a rigorous selection process and intense competition, winning first place was no small feat.
The recognition is more than an award—it validates the Nutqawi app’s practical value and highlights the exceptional preparation that Dar Al-Hekma students receive. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, achievements like these are paving the way.
