PHOENIX — King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) launched special awards for the first time as part of its participation in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026). This initiative is part of KACST’s and Academy 32’s efforts to provide an advanced scientific environment that enhances students’ scientific, technological, and innovative skills, in turn empowering them to develop their research projects and preparing them for global competitions. KACST participated in the exhibition with 10 students from its Apprenticeship Program, one of its specialized programs supporting and qualifying gifted students, within the Saudi Science and Engineering Team. Students from the program achieved advanced positions in the Grand Awards. KACST awarded its special prizes to four outstanding participants: Saudi student Lana Al-Akkad in the field of Future Economies for developing covalent organic framework (COF)-based memristors for neuromorphic computing; Jordanian student Joanna Tbeileh in sustainability and environment for her project focused on capturing, analyzing, and treating airborne microplastic particles; Saudi student Lana Abu Talib in energy and industry for developing seawater batteries using biomaterials and carbon nanodots; and Swedish student Carl Bringel for his project using machine learning techniques to analyze voice patterns and assess Parkinson’s disease. KACST’s participation also included a knowledge lecture organized in collaboration with Academy 32 titled “Empowering the Next Generation of Scientific Leaders in Emerging Technologies.” The lecture was delivered by KACST representative and Secretary of the ISEF Special Awards Committee Salman Al-Fuhaid, who discussed the latest technologies and their development pathways.