In a remarkable display of speed and innovation, 300 students from the University of Sfax have officially set a Guinness World Record by building a complete technology startup in less than three hours. The initiative leveraged artificial intelligence to move from initial brainstorming to a fully operational, legally structured platform, highlighting the growing talent within Tunisia’s tech ecosystem.
Quick Facts
- 300 students participated in the challenge.
- A tech startup was built in under three hours.
- AI was used to produce 42 professional deliverables.
A Collaborative University Effort
The record-breaking achievement was part of a scientific forum titled “Artificial Intelligence at the heart of value creation,” organized by a consortium of four Sfax-based university institutions: the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, the Higher Institute of Business Administration, the Institute of Higher Commercial Studies, and the Higher School of Commerce.
Yosra Mkani, Dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, explained that the students were organized into specialized teams to mirror a real-world company structure. “The work was done collectively between the four institutions. Participants were organized into working groups according to strict Guinness criteria, with roles distributed across specializations like technology, finance, human resources, and marketing,” she stated. The entire operation was managed by 40 student coordinators, each overseeing a specific team.
From Training to Execution
The challenge was designed to be intense. According to Mourad Marroua, Director of the Institute of Higher Commercial Studies, the entire event spanned five hours, which included initial training on AI tools followed by the three-hour practical application phase.
“The challenge was difficult, especially with the activity lasting five hours,” Marroua noted. He added that the accomplishment serves to elevate the profile of the participating universities on both national and international stages by showcasing their students’ ability to create tangible value with AI.
A National Milestone
The event was seen as a significant moment for the academic community and the country. Yosra Mnef, Director of the Higher Institute of Business Administration, described the achievement as “a dream come true for the professors, students, and administrators.”
She credited the spirit of teamwork for securing the record and emphasized that it “reflects a positive image of Sfax and Tunisia globally.” Mnef also extended thanks to former minister Mohamed Nizar Yaich, who was credited with originating the idea for the university to take on the challenge.
About The University of Sfax
The University of Sfax is a public university located in Sfax, Tunisia. Established in 1986, it is a comprehensive institution comprising several faculties, institutes, and schools across various disciplines, including economics, business, engineering, and sciences. The university is a key center for higher education and research in the region.
Source: University of Sfax
