Shaden Nasser Al-Fadhli Al-Balawi won the gold medal and first place globally at the Romania International Exhibition of Innovations 2025, thanks to a research project that improves the performance of solar cells in low light conditions. The Saudi inventor affirms that her scientific journey is steadily progressing towards a more sustainable future, inspired by the principle that "nothing is impossible for Saudis," a concept that aligns with the spirit of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
From "talent" to the podium
Shaden Al-Balawi's gold medal story began with the "Mawhiba" , where she was identified as a gifted student. This was a turning point that opened doors for her, providing access to classrooms, laboratories, and academic and research programs that enabled her to build a solid scientific foundation. Shaden, a preparatory year student at the Faculty of Science at King Abdulaziz University , says that this environment inspired her scientific curiosity, driving her to delve into sustainable energy and search for practical solutions that serve the environment and meet future needs.
Choosing a major: Materials Chemistry - Gateway to Innovation
Shaden is drawn to specializing in materials science because it combines scientific creativity with practical application. Her previous projects, including the development of photovoltaic layers for solar cells, rely on a thorough understanding of how materials behave and interact with light. This blend of theory and practice has reinforced her conviction that designing new materials is the fastest way to make a tangible difference in the fields of energy, water, and the environment .
Innovation details: An additional optical layer increases absorption up to 66%
Shaden's project is based on adding a photovoltaic layer to conventional solar cells, especially those with low efficiency in low light. This layer improves light absorption by up to 66% through innovative fluorescent dyes and polymers that enhance energy conversion without requiring any changes to the cell's basic structure . The concept is simple, efficient, low-cost, and scalable, making it a practical option for upgrading existing systems in diverse environments.
Developmental impact: More energy at a lower cost
Innovation contributes to increased clean energy efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, enabling greater energy production at a lower cost. These benefits are reflected in smart cities and sustainable buildings , supporting the Kingdom's efforts to achieve net-zero carbon neutrality . In practical terms, this means making better use of existing solar infrastructure and narrowing the performance gap in changing climatic conditions.
Shaden Al-Balawi, gold medalist: An international experience that affirms the language of innovation
over 40 countries participated in the Romania International Exhibition of Innovations , providing Shaden with a valuable opportunity for extensive knowledge exchange and discussions with researchers from diverse disciplines. She says that seeing the Kingdom's flag raised on the podium was an unforgettable moment, and affirms that innovation is a universal language uniting ambitious individuals around a single goal: improving the quality of life on this planet.
Vision 2030: Nothing is impossible for Saudi Arabia
Shaden draws on the spirit of Vision 2030, which prioritizes empowerment and innovation, and points to the positive impact of supporting and empowering women, which has opened unprecedented horizons for young Saudi women. She affirms that these ambitious decisions have given her and her colleagues the confidence and genuine space to be creative and demonstrate their ability to compete globally in the fields of research and development.
Upcoming projects: Water, hydrogen, and space sustainability
Shaden's research doesn't stop at solar energy; she's currently working on projects in water purification and desalination using advanced materials, along with initiatives in space sustainability and green hydrogen . Her team, BGK, first place in Space Hackathon in the sustainability track, reflecting a strong research culture and the ability to transform ideas into viable solutions.
Summary: From Laboratory to Application
Shaden Al-Balawi's gold medal story embodies a young Saudi talent who blends rigorous research with practical application. Thanks to the innovation's scalability and manufacturability, opportunities for academic and industrial partnerships expand, fostering technology localization and enhancing the competitiveness of the innovation ecosystem both locally and internationally. It is an inspiring model demonstrating that investment in materials science can transform the landscape of clean energy .
