Algerian hackathon: For innovative solutions in services

Called "Hakathon Smart Cities Solutions," the goal of this initiative is to explore innovation in smart cities, particularly, and to encourage young people to serve their communities in their respective provinces.

"It's a competition where tech and design talents join forces to come up with innovative solutions. Each province thus becomes a testing ground for innovation, putting technology at the service of local businesses and key sectors such as smart parking, smart mobility, and smart retail, in support of the authorities," explain the organizers of this event, the digital services company Guiddini and its partners, including GAAN (Groupement des acteurs algériens du numérique) and GIE Monétique.

DZD 100,000 in financial support for the best projects

The aim, they continue, will be to transform ideas into concrete, useful solutions that can be directly applied in the field to meet real needs. Designers, developers, marketers, and mentors will be on hand to guide and support the teams. A professional jury will evaluate the teams' projects and gain visibility thanks to the participation of experts.

"The best projects will receive financial support of DZD 100,000. This is a concrete boost to help them continue developing their ideas after the hackathon," say the organizers. They specify that this event is intended for students, project leaders, start-up entrepreneurs, and freelancers as part of the event dedicated to financial technology, “Les caravanes de l'avenir” (Caravans of the Future). The latter is in its third edition and will take place from September 18 to 20 in Algiers, under the patronage of the High Commission for Digitalization, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Microenterprises, the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, and the Wilaya of Algiers.

Each wilaya (province) will host a stage of the caravans.

The program comprises practical workshops, interactive demonstrations, e-payment simulations with entertaining activities, and discussions with experts. It is an innovative and inclusive travelling experience, open to everyone: young people, families, students, and entrepreneurs. Each province will host a stop on the caravans' tour, with programming tailored to the local context, including conferences.

In Algiers, a meeting will focus on start-up contributions to the digitalization of Algeria's financial sector. In Annaba and Bejaia, among other places, where the caravans will stop after Algiers, two conferences will be held, one on the role of innovation centres and skills centres in the digitization of our country and on the strategy for the widespread adoption of electronic payment terminals (EPTs) and mobile payments. These caravans will also travel to Oran, Mostaganem, and Ghardaïa. The organizers will also reveal that this event is a unique opportunity to explore the technologies of tomorrow offered by various partners specializing in digital solutions and services.