750 Students from 18 Governorates Take Part in Third Edition of igniteED Competition Focused on Smart Water Management
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Development and Advancement Association has announced the conclusion of the third edition of the igniteED competition, a strategic educational initiative aimed at fostering innovation, scientific thinking, and practical problem-solving skills among students through hands-on application in STEM fields.
The competition is part of the association’s broader vision to empower young talents and better prepare them for the job market by creating a competitive environment that combines training, mentorship, and real-world application—helping bridge the gap between academic education and future workforce requirements.
Launched in September 2025, the third edition began with an open call for applications, followed by an intensive training program that ran through April 2026. The program delivered a total of 1,500 training hours, covering both technical and soft skills development for participants.
This year’s competition witnessed strong participation, with 50 schools—including STEM schools, as well as public, private, and international institutions—taking part. A total of 80 teams, comprising 750 students from 18 governorates across Egypt, competed in the event.
Participants were divided across three main technical tracks, including 37 teams in web development, 33 teams in mobile application development, and 10 teams in robotics. The third edition was held under the theme of “Smart Water Management,” encouraging students to develop innovative, technology-driven solutions to address real-world challenges.
The chosen theme aims to promote the use of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics in improving irrigation systems, reducing water waste, enhancing water management efficiency, and supporting national efforts toward sustainable development.
Mohamed Farouk Hafez, Chairman of the Development and Advancement Association, expressed pride in the competition’s success and the broad participation from across Egypt. “The strong engagement we have seen reflects the growing awareness among Egyptian youth of the importance of innovation and technology,” he said.
He added: “Selecting smart water management as the theme stems from our belief in the importance of directing students’ capabilities toward solving real challenges that impact the country’s present and future. Investing in young minds is the most effective path toward building a more sustainable and advanced future.”
Hafez noted that igniteED has evolved into a platform for discovering young talent, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and equipping a new generation with the skills needed to leverage technology in solving real-world problems and delivering sustainable solutions that benefit both the economy and society.
