Egypt’s National Telecommunication Institute (NTI), in collaboration with the Higher Technological Institute in Beni Suef and the Arab Organization for Industrialization, has kicked off the fourth season of the “Entilaqa 4” hackathon. The event, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology at the Knowledge City in the New Administrative Capital, aims to accelerate technological innovation and entrepreneurship among the nation’s youth.
Quick Facts
- 105 student projects presented
- 19 Egyptian universities participated
- Focus on AI, mechatronics, and energy
- Organized by the National Telecommunication Institute
Fostering Egypt’s Next Generation of Tech Talent
The hackathon brought together students from 19 public and private universities and institutes specializing in communications and IT. The event serves as a key platform reflecting the Egyptian government’s push to support innovation and embed a culture of tech entrepreneurship within its academic institutions. A total of 105 projects were showcased across several high-growth sectors.
Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Director of the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI), stated that hosting “Entilaqa 4” is part of the institute’s commitment to supporting the innovation and tech entrepreneurship ecosystem championed by the Ministry of Communications. He emphasized that the event provides a stimulating environment for young people to present their creative ideas and projects.
Bridging Academia and Industry Needs
The competition featured 51 projects in mechatronics, 39 in network programming, and 15 in renewable energy. Many of these projects integrated AI and other modern technologies, aiming to develop skills that align with the demands of the local and international digital job market.
“The Entilaqa competition links innovation with industry, transforming innovative ideas into tangible products and services that contribute to industrial development,” commented Dr. Mohamed Naguib El-Sheikh, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education for Private Universities.
Dr. Rajaa Abdel Fattah Abdel Rahim, Chairman of the Board of the Higher Technological Institute in Beni Suef, added that the competition acts as a forum that unites a selection of universities and technology institutes under the banner of innovation.
Government Backing for a Knowledge-Based Economy
The event was attended by high-level officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Military Production, and the Arab Organization for Industrialization, signaling strong cross-sector support.
Dr. Khattab highlighted that the event aligns with the ministry’s directives, under Minister Raafat Hendy, to support young innovators, develop digital capabilities, and encourage tech ideas that can contribute to digital transformation and build a knowledge-based economy. “Each of these creative projects is a viable idea,” he affirmed, praising the collaboration between educational and technological institutions.
About Entilaqa Hackathon
Entilaqa is an annual hackathon organized by Egypt’s National Telecommunication Institute (NTI). The initiative is designed to promote technological innovation and entrepreneurship among university students by providing a platform to develop and showcase their projects. It focuses on connecting academic output with the practical needs of the industrial and technology sectors, with a strong emphasis on emerging fields like AI, mechatronics, and renewable energy.
Source: akhbarelyom
