A total of 213 inventors from various scientific and technological fields around the world will participate in the event, all seeking to market their inventions and move toward production and manufacturing. Al-Kharafipraised the participation of several organizations affiliated with the Arab League in the exhibition for the second consecutive year, indicating that these entities have allocated awards specifically for Arab innovators and inventors in their respective fields. He also disclosed that the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will present three awards to Gulf inventors. As head of the exhibition’s organizing committee, Al-Kharafiexplained that the event seeks to fulfill its slogan, “Where Investors Meet Inventors,” by promoting the commercialization of inventions.

In this context, he confirmed that a series of seminars were held in previous years in cooperation with foreign and international chambers of commerce, as well as Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), to explore ways to market the inventors’ innovations by introducing them to foreign investors. He expressed his satisfaction over the initiative of the Kuwaiti Union of Investment Companies (UIC) to participate in the exhibition for the first time this year, stressing that a pavilion will be allocated to the Union.

This pavilion, he said, will represent a new starting point for inventors keen on connecting with investors in order to transform their ideas into tangible products. He added that the exhibition receives support from a number of international organizations, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), International Federation of Inventors Associations (IFIA), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Arab League and others.

He revealed that the exhibition offers financial prizes totaling about $60,000. He said the United Nations, represented by WIPO, puts importance on fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, which explains its annual participation in the event. He extended his gratitude to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah for his generous patronage of the exhibition, and to the sponsors, supporters and strategic partners from various Kuwaiti and international institutions and organizations like KFAS, GCC Secretariat General, Geneva Exhibition, WIPO, IFIA and UNESCO. He also thanked the exhibition’s judging panel, chaired by David Farouki, which comprises 65 members representing a distinguished group of university professors and scientific bodies known for their impartiality and integrity.

On the other hand, Abdulrahman Al-Fadhala, Treasurer of the Club and a member of the exhibition’s Higher Committee, expressed his thanks and appreciation to all ministries, agencies and State institutions – particularly the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Industry and Interior— for their cooperation and for providing all the necessary facilities. Faisal Sarkhouh, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UIC, expressed his pleasure at the Union’s participation in the exhibition for the first time this year, describing the event as a prestigious international platform. He emphasized that the exhibition’s continuity for the 16th consecutive year underscores its distinction and importance compared to other exhibitions around the world.

Sarkhouh called on member companies within the Union and various economic sectors to support the exhibition, stressing that it is an opportunity to expand cooperation between investors and inventors. He also extended his thanks and appreciation to Al-Kharafi, and the board members, for allowing the Union to participate in the exhibition. Present at the press conference were Sheikha Sheikha Jarrah Al-Sabah - Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Club, David Farouki - Head of the Judging Committee, Saja Al-Fadala - Head of the Youth and Science Sector at the Club, Fadwa Darwish - Secretary General of the UIC, several members of the exhibition’s Higher Committee, and representatives of the media.