The “Aurallis” team from the King Talal School of Business Technology at Princess Sumaya University (PSUT) for Technology has advanced to the list of the top 8 teams worldwide. The team was ranked first in the Middle East and secured fourth place across the Asia–Oceania region in the 2026 Global Strategic Business Expansion Challenge. The competition was organized remotely by the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico and featured participation from more than 65 teams representing international universities, including Boston University and several European institutions.
Aurallis was the only Arab team to qualify for both the regional and global stages, reflecting the advanced caliber of the university’s students and their ability to compete on the international stage.
The team consisted of Lori Ketchigian, Lillian Al-Jammal, Majd Al-Fakhouri, and Omar Al-Kharaz, under the supervision of Dr. Dalia Al-Eisawi, Head of the Business Information Technology Department. During the competition, the team presented two advanced case studies—one in applied surface engineering and another in quantum chip technology. Their work integrated engineering concepts, technical simulation, and strategic analysis, enabling them to achieve a leading position among the world’s top 8 teams.
PSUT President Prof. Wejdan Abu Al-Elhaija expressed her pride in the team’s outstanding global achievement, noting that it reflects the quality of the university’s academic programs and highlights the ability of its students to excel in international forums.
She added that qualifying among the top 8 teams worldwide demonstrates the students’ and supervisors’ strong commitment and dedication. She also emphasized that this success aligns with the directives of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, Chair of PSUT’s Board of Trustees, to support academic excellence and student leadership at both regional and global levels, and to strengthen the university’s confidence in its students’ capabilities in technology, engineering, and business analysis—positioning the university among leading global institutions.
Dean of the King Talal School of Business Technology, Dr. Adiy Al-Tweissi, stated that reaching the top 8 globally reflects the students’ ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application and innovation in solving complex global challenges.
The team’s supervisor, Dr. Dalia Al-Eisawi, noted that the students underwent an intensive competitive journey marked by long hours of work and training, despite challenges such as time zone differences and academic pressure. She emphasized their strong team spirit, professionalism, and determination throughout all stages of the competition.