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About the Program
Creative Solutions is a yearly thematic innovation program that invites professionals in art, science, and technology in an open call to develop viable solutions using XR technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), immersive audio and haptics. Participants of the Creative Solutions program will follow the ideation process developed by the Idea Lab (Design thinking, Co-creation, Open innovation) and are guided by experts and mentors in creativity and innovation throughout the journey from an idea to a final prototype.
Why creative solutions?
- To enrich creative content, experiences and marketable solutions
- To build an immersive tech ecosystem of innovators that support the growth of the creative economy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- To promote knowledge sharing development. In the 2022 edition, Creative Solutions will continue to embrace the theme of digital immersive content creation, to further solidify ideas into creations. The vision of the program is to create a network of immersive developers, to be a landmark and increase the Saudi market share in immersive technologies.
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Advisory Committee
Maddalena CrostiXR Specialist
Simon BensonInventor and Tech Consultant
Jennifer RosenProduct Manger
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Why apply to the program?
Every year, the Creative Solutions program will run open calls to attract creatives in Saudi Arabia. Up to 15 of those innovators will be selected to the cohort and at least five (5+) ideas will be supported to be developed into a working prototype. The Creative Solutions mission is to ignite, develop and strengthen an innovation ecosystem that supports the growth of the creative economy in Saudi Arabia.
Selected participants will have access to:
- Masterclasses on relevant topics to support skills development.
- Mentorship with experts.
- Engagement with strategic networks.
- Access to tools, knowledge and lab infrastructure in Idea Lab.
- Opportunities to pitch ideas to potential investors and collaborators.
- International Bootcamp for the selected five ideas or projects.
- Up to 375,000SAR will be allocated for all selected cohorts to transform their ideas with partners and co-creators.
Who can apply to the program?
Creative Solutions program is designed to support any 18+ year’s old Saudi Arabian citizen or Iqama holders. Creators and innovators in Saudi who have ideas, concepts and/or projects that can leverage immersive technologies to develop new and authentic content, experiences and viable solutions for the creative economy.
Joining Conditions:
The program will be delivered in English as the main language, so fluency in English is mandatory to join the program. Previous expertise in immersive content development and creations is necessary.
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Exhibition
An exhibition of the five winning digitally immersive projects from the Ithra Creative Solutions program. The annual innovation program invites professionals in art, science, and technology to develop new solutions. In 2021 the program asked participants to explore the use of digital immersive technologies in creative content creation. The diverse set of projects on display showcases how technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or even 4D sound can be used to create engaging cultural content. Be inspired by the five winning projects and learn how you can be part of an immersive future. ‘The Anticipation of Rain’ – an immersive artwork by Naima Karim. ‘Story of Science’ – a virtual science museum experience by Abdullah Alarfaj. ‘Wamdah’ – A fictional story of Saudi Arabia of the past, present and future of Saudi Arabia in a virtual reality experience by Abdullah Ba Mashmos. ‘Rayah’ – A gamified museum tour using augmented reality by Nouf Alsughier. ‘Alqatt XR’ – Connecting people with the Saudi tradition of Al-Qatt art using digital technologies by Areej Alwabil.
Exhibition Operation Details:
Date: February 7th – April 23rd, 2022
Locations:
- 5th floor – Show tank!
- Plaza Piece
Time:
- 5th floor – Show tank! – 4PM – 9PM
- Plaza Piece: Weekdays – 3PM-10PM
- Friday – Saturday – 3PM – 11PM
Language: AR/EN
Winners in 2021
Naima KarimThe Anticipation of Rain
Nouf Al SugheirRayah
Areej AlwabilAlqatt XR
Abdullah Ba MashmosWamdah
What are the key dates for the program?
Creative solutions 2022 Open call period: February 7th, 2022 - April 30th, 2022
Selected cohorts announcement: May 14th, 2022
Onboarding event: June 2nd, 2022
Masterclasses: June 3rd – August 6th, 2022
Development phase: August 22nd – December 15th, 2022
Creative Solutions Demo-day event: December 16th, 2022
Note: Timelines are approximate and can be subject to change.
How do I apply to join the program?
Complete the full application form
- After your application has been received, it will be analyzed and – if needed – we might call you by phone to discuss your application.
What information we ask for in the application form:
- Contact information: full name, email address, telephone number, date of birth.
- Idea: viability, originality, relevance, scalability.
- Opportunity or challenge identified.
- Feasibility to develop the idea into a prototype.
- Background and motivation.
- Ability to commit to attending our workshops and events.
What are the judging criteria?
The criteria will be presented as statements. Each of the criteria has equal weight.
The judges will respond by indicating how strongly they accept these statements.
Strength of the idea: The idea is ambitious, well-developed, demonstrates strong vision and application.
Originality of the idea: The idea is out of the box and likely to push boundaries for immersive content.
Functionality: The idea will be well represented through the end prototype.
Suitability/relevance: The idea described uses suitable immersive technology and promises a good benchmark. The idea is also likely to be suitable for further funding opportunities.
Feasibility of prototype delivery: The delivery of the proposal is clear and achievable within the time frame and budget.
Potential to reach a chosen target audience: The proposal shows a good understanding of a clearly identified target audience and their distinctive characteristics.
Will masterclasses be virtual or does it require physical attendance?
The participants will be able to choose if they will attend the masterclasses in person or virtually. The Creative Solutions program is designed to be delivered in a hybrid way. For those who still want to come to the masterclass, if happening physically at the center, then the program will cover the costs.
What is the development phase? And what if my project was not selected?
For those selected under the program, their ideas receive funding as well as, expert mentors, product manager, to assist with completion of the prototype. For the remaining ideas that are not selected, they will receive the option to join two different development phases:
One with Tech related development.
The Second one is related to Entrepreneurship.