In a strategic move to decentralize innovation and build digital capacity across the nation, Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has launched the first-ever hackathon in the New Valley Governorate. The initiative, titled “New Valley Innovates,” is organized in collaboration with the governorate and under the academic supervision of the National Telecommunications Institute (NTI). It aims to empower local youth and innovators to develop technology-driven solutions that address community needs and support sustainable development.
A Strategic Push for Digital Transformation
The hackathon leverages the New Valley’s unique geographic and economic characteristics, which include a blend of desert and agricultural landscapes and significant potential in solar energy. This provides a fertile ground for developing innovative solutions in smart agriculture, water resource management, renewable energy, eco-tourism, and community services.
Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the initiative’s role in the government’s broader strategy. “The launch of the ‘New Valley Innovates’ hackathon is part of the ministry’s efforts to enhance the innovation ecosystem and expand the base of digital empowerment for youth in all governorates,” he stated. “The hackathon serves as a practical platform to transform creative ideas into applicable technological solutions that contribute to facing development challenges and achieving a tangible societal impact.”
Echoing this sentiment, Major General Dr. Mohamed Al-Zamlot, Governor of the New Valley, highlighted the initiative’s focus on empowering youth in remote regions. “This reflects the state’s interest in empowering the people of remote governorates and supporting their creative energies,” he remarked. “The hackathon is an important platform for discovering innovative ideas and turning them into viable projects that improve the quality of life and support the local economy.”
Targeting Local Challenges with Tech Solutions
Participants are encouraged to develop solutions across several key domains. These include the design and development of video games that reflect the cultural and heritage identity of the New Valley. Additionally, the hackathon seeks diverse software solutions such as websites, web and mobile applications, and smart management systems tailored to serve the needs of the local community.
Fostering Talent Across Generations
To ensure broad participation and cultivate innovation from an early age, the hackathon targets two distinct age groups. The first category is for youth aged 18 to 35, including university students and recent graduates. The second category is designed for a younger demographic, targeting school students between the ages of 9 and 18. This dual-track approach underscores the MCIT’s commitment to embedding a culture of digital innovation across all age levels and identifying tech talent early.
Prizes and Program Structure
Winning teams will be awarded cash prizes to recognize their innovative solutions. The first-place team will receive EGP 200,000, while the second and third-place teams will be awarded EGP 150,000 and EGP 100,000, respectively. Submissions will be evaluated based on criteria including innovation, societal impact, feasibility, technical quality, and teamwork.
The hackathon is scheduled to run from March 22 to 26, beginning with preparatory training workshops, followed by idea submission and team qualification stages, and culminating in a final ceremony where the winners will be announced.
About New Valley Innovates
New Valley Innovates is a hackathon initiative launched by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in collaboration with the New Valley Governorate and the National Telecommunications Institute (NTI). It aims to foster digital innovation and entrepreneurship among the governorate’s youth by encouraging the development of technology-based solutions for local challenges in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and tourism. Interested participants can register at the official website: https://newvalley-innovates.com.
Source: Aldawla News
