Hadhramout University recently celebrated the conclusion of its first Hackathon for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, culminating in an awards ceremony that honored the top three winning teams, sponsors, and all participants. The event signifies a major step in the university’s strategy to actively cultivate a vibrant startup ecosystem within the local community.
A Hub for Promising Projects
In his address at the closing ceremony, University President Prof. Dr. Mohammed Khanbash described the event as the “harvest of ideas, effort, and creativity.” He praised the hackathon for transforming into a “beehive of ideas” where the features of promising new projects began to take shape.
Dr. Khanbash emphasized that the university’s mission extends beyond awarding academic degrees to empowering students to build their own professional futures. “Entrepreneurship is the primary engine of the modern economy and the path to creating jobs, not waiting for them,” he stated, expressing his pride in the high caliber of projects presented.
From Prototypes to Startups
The ceremony’s key announcement was the university’s commitment to providing tangible support for the most promising participants. As an inaugural initiative of its new Entrepreneurship Center, the university will offer free, fully-equipped office spaces within its business incubator to forty of the hackathon’s participants.
This program aims to provide a crucial bridge from concept to reality. The selected innovators will be connected with investors and mentors to help them develop their initial prototypes into full-fledged startups poised to serve the community and contribute to the local economy.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnership
Speaking on behalf of the event’s sponsors, Lawyer Majdi Bouabis, acting Director-General of the Hadhramout Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the strong collaboration between the business community and academia. Referencing a memorandum of understanding between the Chamber and the university, he affirmed that the hackathon is a prime example of their joint efforts.
Bouabis noted that the university is increasingly becoming a producer of skilled talent and pledged the Chamber’s full support for future innovation, entrepreneurship, and research activities. This partnership aims to bolster the local economy and realize the shared vision of transforming Hadhramout University into a “productive university.”
About Hadhramout University
Hadhramout University is a public university located in Mukalla, Yemen, established by presidential decree in 1993. It serves as a leading institution for higher education, scientific research, and community service in the region. The university is committed to fostering innovation and preparing its students to become key contributors to economic and social development.
Source: 4 May
