The King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD) has announced financial and technical support for six student projects as part of the 20th cycle of the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Support Project (RISP), implemented in partnership with the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB).
The winning projects were selected from six universities: Jordan University of Science and Technology, the Hashemite University, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, the German Jordanian University, Al-Hussein Technical University, and Yarmouk University. The selection process was based on several key criteria, including the sophistication of the innovation, novelty and creativeness of the concept, building a prototype or publishing distinguished scientific research in a reputable journal, feasibility and sustainability, and the potential contribution to Jordan's scientific, technological, and industrial advancement.
The projects targeted sectors such as agricultural technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence, aiming to deliver practical solutions. Among them is "Flora Bot," an artificial intelligence system that analyzes plants and pests to provide farmers with treatment recommendations. “Mustakshif” (explorer) is a robotic system designed to navigate rough terrains, supporting various industries, including reconnaissance, search and rescue, and landmine clearance. Another project, "Ghawwas” (diver)," introduces an underwater robot developed to purify water and address marine pollution.
In the field of automation, "Steering" focuses on automating driving tests for small vehicles using sensors to analyze driver performance. Meanwhile, “Al-Haris Al-Mari’e (visible guardian) functions as a visual scanning system that detects potential security threats at critical facilities through artificial intelligence. Additionally, "RaQeeb" enhances crowd management in public spaces and events by utilizing artificial intelligence to improve safety and efficiency.
Launched in 2004, the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Support Project aims to empower Jordanian university students—both from public and private institutions—with the necessary tools for creativity and innovation. By supporting their scientific and applied research projects, the initiative contributes to building a productive and active scientific and educational community, having already provided 1,644 direct and indirect opportunities since its inception.