Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in partnership with the New Valley Governorate, has launched the first-ever hackathon in the governorate, titled “New Valley Innovates”, aimed at promoting innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and youth participation in the digital economy.
The initiative is academically supervised by the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI) and forms part of MCIT’s national strategy to strengthen innovation ecosystems, build digital skills, and support technological entrepreneurship across Egypt, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
The hackathon targets two age categories: school students aged 9 to 18, and university students and graduates aged 18 to 35. Participants are expected to develop innovative technology-driven solutions that address local development challenges in the New Valley. Focus areas include smart agriculture, water resource management, renewable energy, ecological and heritage tourism, and community services.
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Creative submissions may range from video games inspired by the cultural and historical heritage of the New Valley to websites, web and mobile applications, and smart management systems designed to improve service delivery and quality of life.
Governor of the New Valley, Major General Dr. Mohamed Al-Zamlout, said the initiative is a critical step toward empowering young people in remote areas. He noted that the hackathon will enable youth to contribute meaningfully to the local economy, enhance living standards, and create employment opportunities aligned with the future digital economy.
The hackathon will take place from 22nd to 26th March, starting with preparatory training workshops, followed by idea development, team formation, and qualification rounds. The final stage will culminate in the announcement of winning teams.
Monetary prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, with EGP 200,000 for first place, EGP 150,000 for second place, and EGP 100,000 for third place. Projects will be evaluated based on innovation, community impact, technical quality, applicability, and teamwork.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Amr Talaat, said the hackathon provides a practical platform for transforming creative ideas into implementable technological solutions that address developmental needs and support sustainable local growth. He stressed the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors in building a strong and sustainable digital economy.
Through the “New Valley Innovates” hackathon, MCIT and the New Valley Governorate aim to nurture a culture of digital entrepreneurship, identify technological talent at an early stage, and expand youth participation in Egypt’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.
