ITIDA, Silicon Waha Co-organize ‘Tech for Impact’ Hackathon at Waha Connect
Silicon Waha and the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) co-organized the Tech for Impact Hackathon on July 20–30, as part of the sixth edition of Waha Connect. The event took place at EME Innovation Hub in New Borg Al Arab Technology Park, under the Egypt Makes Electronics (EME) initiative.
The hackathon was designed to enable young people to harness emerging technologies in transforming promising ideas into innovative, high-impact solutions addressing real-world challenges across the mobility, environment, healthcare, education, logistics, accessibility, and safety sectors.
The competition attracted 136 applications, from which 15 teams were selected and advanced to the final round. These teams comprised university students, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and early-career professionals.
Participants completed an intensive training program covering problem definition, idea validation, the Business Model Canvas, financial fundamentals, market research, prototype development, and pitching, in addition to mentorship sessions conducted by specialized experts.
Teams subsequently designed and developed prototypes across five tracks: artificial intelligence applications, robotics and automation, cybersecurity and digital trust, smart logistics and postal innovation, and smart systems and emerging technologies, prior to presenting their work before a judging panel.
At the closing ceremony, winners were honored and awarded cash prizes sponsored by Rubex International, with the participation of representatives from technology companies, supporting institutions, and industry experts.
Smart Art String was awarded first place and a prize of EGP 25,000 for developing a smart machine that converts photographs into intricate string-art designs. X-Vision secured second place and a prize of EGP 15,000 for a computer vision and artificial intelligence system capable of detecting fabric defects during the manufacturing process and generating detailed defect reports. PCB'N Chill placed third and received a prize of EGP 10,000 for an industrial Internet of Things system enabling real-time monitoring of production lines, alongside tracking of consumption and output rates.
Through this initiative, ITIDA continues to give young talent and innovators a practical, competitive space to test and refine their ideas, helping spot promising talent across the tech sector, while advancing innovation and entrepreneurship, and connecting emerging ideas and ventures with the job marketing