‘From Innovation to Creativity’ Hackathon Supports Entrepreneurship Among Palestinian Youth

RAMALLAH - The Palestinian Incubator for Information and Communication Technology "PICTI" held the ‘From Innovation to Creativity’ Hackathon to support entrepreneurship among young people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, funded by the European Union and in collaboration with SPARK, on March 15 simultaneously in both the Red Crescent Society in Al-Bireh and the Palestinian Incubator Office "PICTI" in the Gaza Strip.

The aim of the Hackathon is to unleash the potential of innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups specializing in information and communication technology to contribute to their growth and development. The Hackathon was opened by Mr. Tamer Baransi, Chairman of the Board of PICTI, who referred to PICTI’'s role in supporting entrepreneurship and young entrepreneurs in achieving their ambitions and entering the job market. He also thanked SPARK and the European Union for their efforts in developing an active private sector in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and enhancing the innovation and startup ecosystems. Ms. Amani Al-Madi explained that as a result of this Hackathon, 9 entrepreneurial ideas for creative young men and women will be incubated for six months, providing support, advice, training, improving their abilities, and connecting them with investors, in addition to a cash prize to help bring their ideas to reality.

This was followed by a speech by Ms. Dina Al-Masaid, Director of SPARK's office in Palestine, who explained that the support provided during this event is aimed at supporting the Palestinian economy and enhancing the capacities of local partners to continue supporting innovative ideas. The opening words were concluded by Eng. Hamam Al-Nabahin, Deputy Chairman of the Board of PICTI in the Gaza Strip, who praised the efforts of the participating entrepreneurs, wishing them success in their endeavors to achieve their goals and build their own projects.

The Hackathon continued by dividing the participants into three teams based on the topic of their entrepreneurial idea: green economy, digital technology, and community entrepreneurship. The teams worked on their ideas and were evaluated by a jury of experts, and winners were announced with prizes awarded to help turn their ideas into real-world projects.