Description
Hack24, implemented by The American University in Cairo's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (AUC CEI), in collaboration with e& Egypt, is a month-long global open innovation challenge designed to tackle advanced technological opportunities aimed at enriching people's daily lives. Centered around the theme, “The Future of Technology: Tech for Enriching Lives,” the program invites participants to push the boundaries of innovation and create practical, scalable solutions that have real-world impact.
Participants will work in diverse, multidisciplinary teams, bringing together a wide range of perspectives and expertise. They can choose to focus on one of three main tracks, each aligned with the overarching theme, allowing them to dive deep into specific areas of technological development.
HACK‘24 Tracks
The theme is designed to inspire a broad range of technological innovations aimed at enhancing everyday life. Rather than focusing on a single technology trend, this theme leaves the floor open for diverse contributions, encouraging participants to explore various avenues for enriching lives through technology. Participants will select one of the proposed tracks below, with the option to mix and match topics to create unique, multidisciplinary solutions.
1. Internet of Things (IoT) - Enabling Sustainable Smart Solutions
Objective: Leverage IoT to develop smart, sustainable solutions that enhance connectivity and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Focus Areas: Participants are encouraged to explore IoT applications across various domains, including smart cities, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. The goal is to create solutions that not only solve current challenges but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Key Considerations: Efficiency, sustainability, scalability, and the integration of IoT with other emerging technologies.
2. Digital Inclusion - Bridging the Connectivity Gap Sustainably
Objective: Foster digital inclusion by creating sustainable solutions that ensure equitable access to telecommunications and digital services for everyone, everywhere.
Focus Areas: Participants should aim to develop innovative approaches that expand connectivity in underserved and remote areas. This includes education, healthcare, social services, and community participation, with a strong emphasis on social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Key Considerations: Accessibility, affordability, user-centric design, and long-term impact on underserved populations.
3. AI and Automation - Optimizing Telecommunications Sustainably
Objective: Explore the potential of AI and automation to sustainably optimize telecommunications infrastructure, operations, and services.
Focus Areas: Participants are encouraged to create AI-powered solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability within the telecommunications ecosystem. This includes everything from network management and optimization to customer service and beyond.
Key Considerations: Ethical AI, sustainability, operational efficiency, and the potential for wide-scale implementation.
Program Highlights
Throughout the competition, participants will have access to a series of workshops and mentorship sessions led by industry experts. These resources are designed to enhance their skills, provide guidance, and support the development of their ideas. The challenge culminates in an opportunity for teams to showcase their innovative solutions, tailored specifically to the needs and goals of e& Egypt, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to improve lives on a global scale.
AUC CEI and e& Egypt will conduct 3 hybrid workshops and 2 mentoring sessions conducted over one month on AUC premises and via Zoom. Workshops will be tailored to the telecommunication sector, covering market analysis, sustainability fundamentals, telecommunication networks, among others topics. Additionally, there will be mentoring sessions by industry experts and networking opportunities.
Educational Empowerment: Provide participants with the necessary foundation to understand the telecommunication sector in order to come out with innovative solutions.
Sustainable Innovation: Cultivate a culture of innovation by introducing participants to the latest sustainability trends, technologies, and opportunities fostering creativity.
Engagement & Support: Maintain ongoing engagement with participants by offering support, feedback, and networking opportunities throughout the competition.
Performance Recognition & Prizes: Recognize top performers through both financial and non-financial incentives.
Eligibility Criteria
Teams must consist of 2-5 members.
All national, regional, and international undergraduate university students from all majors.
Having one graduate and a faculty advisor would be considered an asset.
Timeline
October 9th, 2024: Application Deadline .
October 10th, 2024: Application Status Announcement.
October 12th, 2024: Kickoff Day: Orientation + Introductory Bootcamp.
October 19th, 2024: Submission 1: Initial Concept Proposal.
October 28th, 2024: Strategic Foundations: Technical Workshop.
October 31st, 2024: Expert Insights: Mentorship.
November 5th, 2024: Submission 2: Pitch Presentation.
November 12th, 2024: Skills Enhancement: Soft Skills Workshop + Mentorship Session.
November 14th, 2024: Competition’s Day.
Find application form here