Iraq Innovation Hackathon | Basra, Mosul, Erbil, Sulaimaniya and Baghdad

The Iraq Innovation Hackathon challenges developers, designers, entrepreneurs, humanitarians and innovators to develop tech-based solutions addressing environmental issues and city specific challenges. It is your turn to hack the glass ceiling and stand together with youth across the country to find solutions!

From April 26th and 27th, participants will work in teams to tackle a challenge that contributes to improving the country. During the hackathon, subject-matter experts will share knowledge, give feedback and help teams to overcome obstacles. At the end of the hackathon, teams will have an opportunity to present their ideas and prototypes to a panel of judges. Prizes will help support the most viable projects to move forward and launch into real projects.

The Iraq Innovation Hackathon is sponsored by GIZ and Zain Telecoms, and organized by the Iraqi Technology and Entrepreneurship Alliance consisting of Re:Coded, Mosul Space, Science Camp, Five One Labs and The Station.

The event is free of charge and meals will be provided!

Challenges

Challenge 1:
Nationwide challenge for all cities: Reduce and reuse single-use plastic products and packaging.

Challenge 2 (based on the city you are participating in):
Basra: Help job seekers in Basra find local jobs in the oil and gas sector
Baghdad: Improve traffic jams and congestion in Baghdad
Erbil: Change the perception of Erbil internationally and encourage tourism to the city.
Mosul: Raise awareness to improve the selection of university subjects among Middle School students.
Sulaimaniya: Improve traffic in Sulaimaniya

You can pick one challenge to work on.

Schedule
Hackathon Kick-Off & Workshops!
Friday, April 26th, 8.15am - 11.30pm
- Welcome breakfast & registration
- Presentation of the challenges
- Design Thinking workshop
- Teams get together + ideas are formed
- Teamwork workshop
- Project development begins
- Coaching sessions (with experts and mentors from different fields)

Hacking & Final Day!
Saturday, April 27th, 8am - 7pm
- Project development continues
- Presentations and team pitching
- Coaching sessions (with experts and mentors from different fields)
- Feedback from judges
- Winners announced

PRIZES!
We hope the Iraq Innovation Hackathon will build collective goodwill, relationships and ideas that will carry on long after the hackathon ends. A judging panel of leading figures in the technology and business communities will decide on the winners.

Prizes at the end of the hackathon will help support the most viable projects to move forward, including cash and $3000 worth of technology vouchers, access to co-working spaces and mentorship. One winner will be picked from each city and will be supported to turn their idea into an actual solution.

REGISTRATION

SIGN UP HERE

Places are limited and registration closes on April 20th! We will send out detailed instructions and an agenda to those that are chosen to participate.

LOCATION:
Baghdad: The Station, Villa 7, St. 38, Dist. 903 Al Karadah, Baghdad
Erbil: Re:Coded House, 3rd floor, Nergiz Plaza, Gulan street (next to Saj Al Reef), Erbil
Sulaimaniya: The Lab: Suli, Salim Street, Across the street from Faruq Group Holdings and above Roshen candy shop
Basra: Al-Asmak Hall - Level 5, Basra International Hotel, Corniche St.
Mosul: Almohandesen hall, Al-Faisalia district

WHEN: 26th and 27th April 2019

ORGANIZER
Iraq Technology and Entrepreneurship Alliance (Re:Coded, Mosul Space, Science Camp, 51 Labs and The Station).

SPONSORS
GIZ
Zain Telecoms Zain Iraq

PARTNER
Shabab Media