About the Event

From May 1st to 4th, 2025, Kuwait Technical College ( ktech) successfully hosted its Third Annual Academic Conference under the theme “Empowering Entrepreneurial Success Through Innovation and Digital Transformation.” The conference was held on  ktech’s Abu Halifa campus, under the patronage of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and in collaboration with the Canadian College of Kuwait (CCK).

The opening day brought together a distinguished group of academics, policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students to explore the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in the digital age and to discuss the opportunities and challenges driven by innovation and transformation.

Opening Remarks from the Chairman: A Vision for the Future of Entrepreneurship

In his keynote address, Mr. Mishari Ayman Boodai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at  ktech, highlighted the critical role of digital innovation as a key engine for economic growth and a vital enabler for a new generation of entrepreneurs to develop sustainable, globally relevant ventures.

He emphasized that the conference serves as a unique platform for bridging academic research and practical implementation, with sessions and papers designed to deliver tangible solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kuwait and the wider region.

“The alignment of national institutional support and our academic community’s digital-forward vision reflects a long-term commitment to developing human capital and driving a knowledge-based economy,” said Mr. Boodai.

A Multi-Faceted Innovation Platform

The conference offered a diverse program including keynote speeches, expert panels, hands-on workshops, and academic paper presentations submitted through an open Call for Papers. Participants also enjoyed networking opportunities and an award ceremony recognizing the top research contributions.

Thought Leaders and Global Perspectives

The event featured prominent speakers who shared strategic insights and inspiring experiences at the intersection of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Among the keynote speakers were:

• Prof. Eng. Adel Bouhoula, Head of the Information Technology Department at the Arabian Gulf University (Bahrain), who opened Day 1 with a keynote on the role of artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship.
• Ms. Hiba Al-Rifai, Director of Finance and General Manager at Kuwait’s National Fund for SMEs, who presented a keynote on financial empowerment for entrepreneurs in a digital economy.
• Dr. John Mulyana, Lecturer at Swansea University (UK), who delivered an analytical presentation on innovation in entrepreneurial education models.

Their contributions added both local and international depth, enriching the scientific and professional value of the conference and linking digital transformation concepts with real-world entrepreneurial challenges.

A Platform for Dialogue, Research, and Impact

The conference concluded with strong engagement from attendees, who praised the quality of discussions and the relevance of the shared experiences. It successfully served as a constructive platform for academic-industry exchange, fostering collaboration between scholars, practitioners, and innovators.

Organizers extended their sincere gratitude to all speakers, participants, organizing committees, and sponsoring institutions for making this impactful event possible. These collective efforts were the foundation of the conference’s success, bringing to life its mission: to bridge knowledge with application, and research with innovation