May 12th, 2026: The “AI in Culinary Innovation” hackathon brought together technologists, chefs, researchers, and food enthusiasts to explore how artificial intelligence can transform the future of culinary arts and food systems. The hackathon was held at Alfaisal University on May 12th and co-organized by the Culinary Innovation Lab (CIL) and Alfaisal’s AI research center (AIC). Participants developed culinary R&D co-pilots and AI-driven solutions addressing areas such as recipe innovation, sustainability, kitchen operations, and food supply chain optimization. Using generative AI, APIs, and computer vision models, teams designed smart cooking assistants, automated menu planning tools, and intelligent systems to support more efficient and sustainable food practices and incorporate the use of Saudi heritage ingredients.
“Collaborating with the Culinary Innovation Lab’s team on the AI in Culinary Innovation Hackathon was a highly positive and rewarding experience from start to finish,” said Dr. Areej Al-Wabil, Director of Alfaisal University’s AI Research Center. “The CIL and AIC teams demonstrated a genuine commitment to creating an impactful and engaging environment for students and participants. What stood out most was the enthusiasm for interdisciplinary innovation. Bringing together AI and culinary arts required creativity, adaptability, and close collaboration, and the partnership with the CIL reflected a true shared commitment to excellence.”
“It was a pleasure working with Alfaisal University’s AI Center to deliver the Culinary Arts AI Hackathon. The hackathon initiation’s success was only possible due to their high commitment, professionalism, and turnaround speed. We thank the AU AI Center for their partnership and look forward to many more collaborations down the line,” noted Raja Abi Saab, Culinary Innovation Labs Director. The hackathon was further enriched by the contributions of ten expert mentors specializing in artificial intelligence, food technology, culinary arts, innovation, and applied AI research. Their guidance enabled participants to address real-world food challenges while developing valuable technical and interdisciplinary skills.
Finalist projects will be evaluated in June 2026 by a distinguished jury of industry leaders, culinary innovators, and AI scholars. The mentors in the Ideation Phase of the hackathon included Dr. Hanan Makki (MCIT), Dr. Randa Almomen (Deputy Director of the AI Center), Dr. Ashwag Alasmari (King Khalid University), Ms. Mashael Abualnaja (Founder of Dev, Play, Go) and Ms, Sara Alhamdani (AIC Affiliate and Instructor of Software Engineering in the College of Engineering and Advanced Computing). Mentors from the Culinary Innovation Labs included Raja Abi Saab, Najlaa Binsalleeh and Rafeek Mushtaha.
