Academics, postgraduate students, and researchers are invited to shape the future of digital innovation in Palestine by submitting original AI research that addresses real-world challenges.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Research Competition / Call for Papers
- For: Palestinian researchers (local and diaspora), faculty, and postgraduate students
- Key Benefits: Cash prizes up to $1,000, incubation opportunities, and publication
- Application Deadline: March 26, 2026
- Location: Palestine Techno Park, Birzeit (Hybrid/Global submissions)
Competition Overview
The Techno Park AI Research Award is the flagship academic event of AI & Data Week 2026. This competition seeks original, unpublished research that applies Artificial Intelligence to solve pressing local and regional issues. To ensure absolute integrity and fairness, all submissions undergo a rigorous independent blind review process conducted by a distinguished panel of expert judges. Selected winners will have the prestigious opportunity to present their findings to a global audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and investors.
Key Benefits
- Cash Prizes: Awards of $1,000 for 1st place, $650 for 2nd place, and $350 for 3rd place.
- Incubation & Mentorship: Research with commercial potential receives fast-track consideration for Palestine Techno Park incubation programs and expert mentorship.
- Publication: Winning papers will be published in the official AI Week 2026 Competition Proceedings.
- Professional Recognition: Outstanding student submissions may receive recommendation letters signed by the judging panel.
Research Tracks
Participants can submit research in the following core areas:
- AI in Healthcare: Diagnostics, predictive analytics, and clinical NLP.
- Smart Agriculture: Precision farming, water management, and food security.
- AI for Education: Intelligent tutoring and personalized learning tools.
- Fintech and AI: Fraud detection and financial inclusion.
- Natural Language Processing: Arabic NLP and Palestinian dialect processing.
- Ethics and Governance: AI regulation, bias, and digital privacy.
- Open Track: Innovative research in robotics, computer vision, or sustainability.
Eligibility Criteria
- Authorship: The first author must be of Palestinian nationality or hold an active affiliation with a Palestinian institution.
- Academic Level: Faculty members, independent researchers, and postgraduate (Master’s/PhD) students are eligible. Undergraduate students may apply if supervised by a faculty co-author.
- Format: Papers must be 6–8 pages in English, following the IEEE Two-Column Format.
- Anonymization: To facilitate blind review, the evaluation copy must be fully anonymized (no names or affiliations).
How to Apply
To compete, researchers must prepare their papers according to the IEEE template and submit two versions (Full and Anonymous) via the online portal.
Application Deadline: March 26, 2026 Submit Here: Techno Park Submission Portal
About Palestine Techno Park
Palestine Techno Park is a leading innovation hub dedicated to fostering a knowledge-based economy. Based in Birzeit, the park provides the infrastructure and ecosystem necessary for startups, researchers, and technology companies to thrive, serving as a bridge between academic research and commercial industrial application in Palestine.
Learn More: Techno Park AI Week
