In a significant move to bolster youth innovation and entrepreneurship in Yemen, Hadhramaut University has launched its first-ever Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hackathon. The week-long event, held in the city of Mukalla, aims to provide a platform for students and graduates to transform their creative ideas into viable startup ventures.
Fostering Innovation With Government Backing
The hackathon was inaugurated by the Governor of Hadhramaut, Mabkhout Mubarak bin Madi, alongside the university’s president, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Khanbash. The governor toured the event, reviewing technology projects and entrepreneurial concepts designed to address market needs and create new opportunities.
In his address, Governor bin Madi emphasized the local authority’s commitment to education as the cornerstone of development and human investment. He commended Hadhramaut University for its role in serving the community and preparing a new generation of skilled professionals, positioning the institution at the forefront of the region’s scientific and creative landscape.
A Platform For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The hackathon is designed as an intensive training and mentorship program running from November 20th to 26th. It showcases 40 entrepreneurial projects and 50 productive units, alongside presentations of patents. The event also features competitions to select the most promising projects for further support.
According to Dr. Salem Mubarak Al-Awbathani, the University’s Vice President for Student Affairs, the initiative has six primary goals. These include developing graduate skills through specialized workshops, providing mentorship via the university’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, fostering healthy competition, and building professional networks that connect entrepreneurs with investors and industry partners.
New Center To Nurture Startups
Coinciding with the hackathon’s launch, the governor and university president also inaugurated the new Center for Supporting Entrepreneurial Projects and Innovation. Based within the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the center is dedicated to providing comprehensive services to student innovators.
The center will operate through several key units, including a business incubator, a showcase for productive units, and a dedicated fund to provide necessary financing for emerging startups, creating a sustainable support system within the university.
Strategic Partnerships To Bolster The Ecosystem
To further strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, Hadhramaut University signed several strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the launch event. Key partners include the Hadhramaut Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Al-Amal Foundation for Training and Entrepreneurship, and the Small and Micro Enterprise Development Agency (SMEPS).
An additional MoU was signed with the Youth Without Borders organization to operate the university’s Youth Services Center, solidifying a collaborative approach to training, qualification, and project support.
About Hadhramaut University
Hadhramaut University is a leading public university in Yemen, established in 1993. Located in Mukalla, it plays a vital role in the region’s academic and scientific development. The university is committed to fostering innovation, community service, and empowering students with the skills required to contribute to the local economy and job market.
Source: Khlaasa
