Following the conclusion of “Pitstop for the Planet: Inclusive Upcycling Design Challenge”
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 15 April 2026: Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Lolowa Al Faisal, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees and the Secretary General of Effat University, has conclude the “Pitstop for the Planet: Inclusive Upcycling Design Challenge” as part of Saudi Motorsport Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in collaboration with Effat University.
This initiative is considered the first of its kind in this field, introducing a multidisciplinary challenge for students across various academic backgrounds. The challenge is structured around four key pillars: design and architecture, interactive technologies and electronic systems, entrepreneurship, and awareness and communication. This integrated approach enhances the practicality and scalability of proposed solutions, while promoting innovation, teamwork, and goal-oriented project development to create viable prototypes that improve quality of life across diverse communities.
As a culmination of the initiative, the “Pitstop for the Planet: Inclusive Upcycling Design Challenge” exhibition was inaugurated, showcasing 15 projects developed by 15 student teams. Four outstanding projects were selected for their strong potential for further development, with opportunities to advance into investment and commercialization stages.
Students were honored by Her Royal Highness Princess Lolowa Al Faisal, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees and the Secretary General of Effat University, and Eng. Mansour AlMokbel, CEO of the Saudi Motorsport Company. Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, President of Effat University, also recognized faculty members and initiative organizers for their vital role in guiding and supporting students throughout the project development process.
Speaking on the occasion, Eng. Mansour Almokbel, Chief Executive Officer of SMC, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to creating long-term, positive impact through its CSR programmes. He highlighted the importance of providing young people with opportunities to develop their creative skills and contribute ideas that serve the wider community, reinforcing motorsport’s role as a platform for innovation and social development.
For her part, Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail the president of Effat University, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to empowering its students and strengthening their presence in applied fields through impactful initiatives that transform ideas into real-world projects. She noted that these efforts align with the university’s broader strategy to enhance innovation, enrich the learning experience, and build effective partnerships with national entities to achieve sustainable societal impact, with aspirations to expand such collaborations in the future.
This initiative builds on the ongoing partnership between Saudi Motorsport Company and Effat University, leveraging the passion for sport to develop students’ skills across multiple disciplines. It underscores the importance of initiatives that bridge education and practical application, foster innovation, and promote sustainability, while preparing students to address real-world challenges and contribute to a robust innovation ecosystem.
It is worth noting that Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) was established in 2021 by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) to bring all motorsport activities in the Kingdom under one unified platform, and to lead the organization and promotion of events across Saudi Arabia.
Today, SMC plays a central role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s position as a global motorsport destination, with a portfolio that includes the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Dakar Rally, Formula E, the Extreme H World Cup, Jeddah GT, and the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).
