Among this new generation is 23-year-old Ahmed Al-Malki, founder of Minus Zero and lead researcher at NeuroVate Lab, whose work seeks to integrate artificial intelligence with psychology to support progress in education, talent development, and data-driven decision-making across the Kingdom.

Al-Malki created Minus Zero as a platform that analyzes language using AI to identify cognitive tendencies and emotional indicators. By bringing together psychology, linguistics, and data science, the system transforms written text into measurable insights that can reflect how individuals think, communicate, and process information.

He explains that the idea began with a simple goal — to create a tool capable of understanding human thought patterns in both Arabic and English, offering a bilingual model that reflects regional language and cultural nuance more accurately than imported systems traditionally used in assessments.

The platform originally started as a company research project but later grew into a broader initiative inspired by the BEGINING Scale, a psychological model developed by academic Dr. Ibrahim Al-Hussein. The aim was to translate conceptual traits such as creativity, balance, and decision-making into practical, data-driven measurements.

With a background in computer science, Al-Malki became interested in how linguistic choices reveal patterns of thought. Word selection, sentence structure, and written expression can provide subtle indicators of cognitive style, and this concept formed the foundation of the analytical approach used by Minus Zero.

Through the system, ordinary writing samples — such as student essays or professional reports — can be evaluated and presented in formats that may support education, recruitment, and performance development. Educators gain clearer insights into how students learn, while employers can identify strengths in communication, analysis, and problem-solving.

Al-Malki also noted a significant gap in the local market, as many widely used psychometric tools were developed abroad and rely heavily on English-language datasets that do not fully capture Arab cultural or linguistic contexts. Minus Zero attempts to address this shortage by offering an assessment model developed specifically to accommodate regional language patterns.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into national strategies under Vision 2030, privacy and fairness remain major considerations. To support these priorities, the platform uses federated learning — a decentralized method that trains algorithms on encrypted data without transferring personal information, ensuring that user privacy is maintained throughout the process.

Al-Malki emphasizes that transparency and ethical data use are central to the project, noting that balanced datasets were used to minimize bias and to create fair, reliable outcomes for users across diverse backgrounds. The intention, he says, is to build AI systems that empower individuals rather than exploit their data.

Behind the development of Minus Zero is NeuroVate Lab, a division Al-Malki established within the Saudi tech company GCAD to connect cognitive science research with applied artificial intelligence. The lab aims to convert academic theories into practical tools for sectors including education, HR, and behavioral analytics.

NeuroVate Lab is currently testing pilot programs in schools and companies to explore tools that measure creativity, stress management, focus, and decision-making. Educators use the insights to adapt teaching methods, while organizations apply them to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and workplace communication.

Al-Malki observes that participants often begin with limited expectations, but once their data is visualized, they recognize how closely the patterns reflect real aspects of their mindset, balance, and emotional state. This reaction reinforces the potential of AI-driven psychological insights to support self-awareness and personal development.

His long-term vision is to expand the use of cognitive AI tools across Saudi educational and employment systems, enabling individuals to maintain dynamic profiles that grow as their skills and behaviors evolve. According to Al-Malki, such tools could help identify creative thinkers, future leaders, and emerging talent from an early stage.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in innovation and future-ready skills, young researchers like Al-Malki illustrate the critical role local talent plays in shaping the Kingdom’s technological landscape. Through initiatives that blend AI with cultural and linguistic relevance, these efforts contribute not only to new digital tools but also to ideas that reflect the region’s identity and aspirations.

The forum brought together students, entrepreneurs, technologists and young leaders from around the world, creating an environment where inspiration, practical learning and global networking came together under one roof.

Among the standout speakers was 14-year-old Aaryan Nitin Shukla, an Indian mental calculation prodigy, who gained global recognition after winning the 2022 Mental Calculation World Cup at age 12 and later earning six Guinness World Records.

Shukla described the experience of presenting his skills on the Misk stage as both exciting and rewarding, noting that demonstrating mental calculation live to a global audience encouraged him to push his abilities even further.

He said his goal now is to promote mental calculation as a sport for young people worldwide, emphasizing that programs engaging youth in cognitive development contribute to building a knowledge-driven generation for the future.

Shukla expressed appreciation to the forum organizers for creating a platform where expertise can be shared openly, adding that he had the opportunity to learn from seasoned speakers, educators and innovators throughout the event.

He said visiting Saudi Arabia offered a fresh perspective on how youth empowerment initiatives are being shaped, and he expressed eagerness to return and contribute to activities that support long-term educational and creative growth.

Another young voice who captured attention was 13-year-old Linda Al-Faisal, host of a podcast highlighting youth empowerment and the transformative opportunities emerging across the Kingdom.

Al-Faisal said participating in the forum felt deeply inspirational, as it allowed her to meet people with diverse ideas and offered a space that encouraged curiosity, ambition and creative thinking.

She highlighted the increasing availability of platforms designed to help young people explore leadership pathways, stating that such opportunities allow youth to take ownership of their future and build confidence in their skills.

Reflecting on the environment of innovation currently expanding across the Kingdom, she said the momentum of ongoing development encourages young people to turn ideas into meaningful action.

She emphasized that while opportunities continue to grow, young individuals must work diligently to transform these openings into long-term achievements that contribute to national development.

The forum welcomed participation from major global companies, including leading digital platforms such as Snapchat, whose representatives hosted sessions introducing attendees to digital marketing trends and emerging communication tools.

These sessions aimed to equip young participants with practical knowledge applicable to a rapidly evolving digital landscape, bridging the gap between creativity, technology and personal brand development in an increasingly interconnected world.

For many attendees, the forum’s theme, “Created by the Youth,” resonated strongly, reflecting the shift toward empowering young minds to shape the strategies and solutions of tomorrow.

Twenty-three-year-old student Rym Al-Hammawi described the gathering as a place of growth and exploration, saying that the environment encouraged both self-development and community-building among emerging leaders.

She noted that exposure to workshops, panels and interactive discussions broadened her understanding of global challenges, while also reinforcing the importance of collaboration and learning within diverse youth communities.

Participants across the forum echoed a sense of optimism, expressing that events like these reinforce the belief that young people can influence progress when given tools, recognition and responsibility.

The 2025 edition of the Misk Global Forum concluded with strong engagement from local and international youth, highlighting the power of collective ambition and creative energy in shaping future economic, educational and social landscapes.

As this year’s gathering closed, conversations continued about innovation, community leadership and collaborative problem-solving, signaling continued enthusiasm for youth-driven initiatives and the expanding opportunities that lie ahead.