The Year 12 team won Second Place with their project INNOVAIR

A group of our talented Year 11 and Year 12 students from Oryx International School shone in this first edition of the ARIU Innovation Challenge 2025, which was organised by Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU) in collaboration with the University of Derby.

The ARIU Innovation Challenge not only offers students the opportunity to showcase their creativity in the field of technical innovation but was also an opportunity for the young learners to showcase essential skills such as working in a team, leadership ability and public speaking skills. The event was truly a compilation of talent showcasing Qatar’s most promising young minds. Coupled with an elite jury, composed of influential figures from the country’s academic and business sectors, the 2025 inaugural edition was aimed at transforming ideas into real-world solutions.

The competition, held on April 17 at ARIU’s West Bay campus, saw over 100 students from 17 Secondary schools across Qatar under the theme “Sustainable Innovation.”

Second Place for Year 12 with “INNOVAIR”


The Year 12 team won Second Place with their project INNOVAIR, a comprehensive solution to improve air quality that combines:

  • C1: Community air filtration structure that purifies public spaces and provides shade.
  • I1: Industrial unit to capture and filter emissions from refineries.
  • Mobile app: Monitors air quality, promotes eco-friendly actions, and connects users to the system.

This proposal stood out for its originality, environmental impact, and practical feasibility, and as such the school were awarded an incredible QAR 10,000 cash, which we look forward to working with the students to ascertain which projects will benefit from the investment.

Outstanding Participation from Year 11
The Year 11 students presented a proposal for a “digital planner” focused on environmental initiatives, aiming to promote sustainable habits within the school community. Their clarity, teamwork, and creativity earned them Certificates of Participation, as well as praise from the jury for their innovative approach in a highly competitive field.

All participants were honoured with certificates celebrating their talent and dedication.

Following the event, Prof. Ivan Ninov, Executive Dean of ARIU, emphasised: “This challenge exemplifies our commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders and change-makers. By focusing on sustainability, we encourage students to think critically and creatively about real-world challenges and to be part of the solution.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Christopher Dutt, Associate Professor and Programme Leader at ARIU, added: “It has been inspiring to witness the passion and innovation of these students. Their ideas not only show a deep understanding of sustainability challenges, but also a genuine desire to create meaningful impact.”

The ARIU Innovation Challenge 2025 not only rewarded ideas but also planted the seeds of change in a new generation ready to lead the future.

The event also made local headlines here in Doha – for more information, please visit: http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/20/04/2025/ariu-hosts-inaugural-innovation-challenge-competition