The BA and ASREN Launch the “Next Generation of Innovators” Hackathon
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The Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN) announce the launch of the “Next Generation of Innovators” Hackathon, with the support of the Global Young Academy, as part of the “e-AGE26” conference, which will be hosted by the Library from 1-3 December 2026.
Under the theme “AI for Sustainable Impact: Driving the SDGs Forward,” the hackathon invites young innovators from across the Arab region to develop innovative AI-based solutions under the umbrella of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by addressing several key themes including urgent societal challenges, climate change, healthcare, education, and smart cities.
The hackathon will be held in a hybrid format combining virtual and in-person stages. It will begin with participants from across the Arab world submitting their applications online, which will consist of a proposal and a short introductory video. The first stage of the competition will start with preliminary rounds, resulting in the selection of only 10 qualified teams.
The ten qualified teams will attend a virtual lecture focused on guidance, development, and how to improve and raise the efficiency of their submitted projects. The second stage of the competition will feature the semi-finals for the ten teams (only three qualified teams will be selected).
The third stage will begin with an in-person (interactive) lecture for the three qualified teams during the “e-AGE26” conference at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, where experts will provide guidance to identify technical gaps in their submitted projects, as well as train them on presentation and public speaking skills, before they advance to the finals to compete for the top three spots.
Participation in the hackathon offers several significant benefits, as it provides an opportunity to develop personal and professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and work under pressure, as well as guidance and mentorship from academic and professional experts. It also offers a valuable opportunity to build professional networks across the Arab region through attendance at the “e-AGE26” conference. In addition, participation certificates will be granted to all applicants, along with prizes dedicated to supporting the development of winning projects, including full coverage of travel and accommodation costs for teams qualifying for the finals.
It is worth noting that the hackathon’s asessment criteria for submitted applications will be based on the relevance of the idea to societal challenges and its potential impact, as well as on innovation, creativity, and the feasibility of the proposed idea, in addition to the team’s competence and expertise.
The “e-AGE26” hackathon is a pivotal step toward building a new generation of distinguished researchers and innovators who not only possess advanced technical skills but also demonstrate leadership capacity, teamwork skills, and the potential to create desired and sustainable impact. This year’s edition features a qualitatively advanced initiative that goes beyond presentations to explore practical innovation, fruitful collaboration, and the creation of real, tangible impact, embodying a shared vision aimed at empowering young researchers to participate, innovate, and contribute constructively to society through science and technology.
For participation conditions and requirements, please visit the following link:
https://www.asren.net/blog/launching-the-e-age26-hackathon
Email: e-age26.info@asren.net / baifa.services@bibalex.org