Palestinian innovators and entrepreneurs are invited to join the Urban Up Hackathon, a 12-month innovation journey designed to transform municipal challenges into smart, scalable startup solutions.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Hackathon & Startup Incubation Program
- For: Software Developers, UX/UI Designers, Data Engineers, Urban Planners, and Entrepreneurs
- Key Benefits: Seed Funding for top 5 teams, 1-year incubation, and real-world implementation
- Application Deadline: March 17, 2026
- Location: Palestine Techno Park, Birzeit
Hackathon Overview
The Urban Up Municipal Innovation Incubator is looking for tech-driven solutions to modernize Palestinian cities. Launched in partnership with the GIZ’s INDIGO project (Inclusive Digital Governance), the program aims to replace slow, paper-based bureaucratic processes with transparent, digital systems. Participants will work on solving real-world challenges faced by four key municipalities: Nablus, Dura, Al-Eizariya, and Birzeit. The journey begins with an intensive hackathon to build prototypes and evolves into a year-long incubation path for selected teams.
Key Benefits
- Real-World Implementation: The chance to deploy your solution within partner municipalities.
- Seed Funding: Financial support will be awarded to the top 5 innovative ideas.
- Professional Incubation: A comprehensive 12-month program to develop your project from a prototype into a registered startup.
- Mentorship: Direct access to municipal leaders and technical experts.
Eligibility Criteria
The program is seeking multidisciplinary teams that include:
- Developers and Data Engineers to build smart systems and automated workflows.
- Urban and Environmental Planners to provide specialized insights into city challenges.
- Entrepreneurs and Business Developers to create sustainable business models.
- UX/UI Designers to ensure solutions are user-friendly for citizens and officials.
Challenge Tracks
Participants are encouraged to develop MVPs or prototypes in the following areas:
- Water and Energy: Solutions for water shortages, digital identity, and workflow automation.
- Digital Services: Proactive citizen communication, service accessibility, and public asset management.
- Sustainability and Environmental Safety: Smart waste management, public health, and environmental security.
- Mobility and Infrastructure: Traffic management systems, smart parking, and energy-efficient street lighting.
How to Apply
To join the change and help shape the digital future of Palestinian cities, submit your application before the deadline.
- Application Deadline: March 17, 2026
- Application Link: Apply via Google Forms
About Palestine Techno Park
Palestine Techno Park is a non-profit organization that creates a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and technology. It serves as a hub for entrepreneurship, bridging the gap between academia and the private sector to foster economic growth and digital transformation in Palestine.
Learn More: LinkedIn
