15 students from the Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management (T&M-DDP) embarked on an incredible 10-day adventure in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, for the International Business Plan Competition (IBPC) in this Winter semester. Beyond a competition for innovative ideas, IBPC has become a vibrant hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration and cultural exchange, where T&M-DDP students forged connections and explored new perspectives in the realm of sustainability.

This year’s competition, themed “Energy & Sustainability”, was hosted by the King Abdaullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) from January 4 to 13, 2026, bringing together students from three Universities, including HKUST, KAUST, and University of Bayreuth (UBT). Together, they collaborated to develop innovative business plans for technology-driven solutions addressing critical challenges in the energy and sustainability sector. Students explored KAUST’s cutting-edge research ecosystem in Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, produced portfolio-ready business plans, strengthened their entrepreneurial and pitching skills, and expanded their global networks of peers and mentors dedicated to advancing a sustainable future.

During this intensive 10-day residential competition, the students were assigned to teams with participants from various countries to conduct field research, including lab tours focused on energy, water desalination, and smart city research, while receiving daily coaching from faculty and industry experts.

Amid the intense competition schedule, the students also had the opportunity to discover the iconic landmarks of the city through a historic tour of Jeddah and a cruise along the Red Sea. Through the IBPC experience, our students returned not only with new skills and insights, but also with lasting friendships and cherished memories.