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As part of its pioneering efforts to enhance inclusive innovation, the US Government, partnered with Vodafone Egypt, in launching the second edition of Vodafone’s AI Assistive Tools Hackathon.
This hackathon brings together young innovators, developers, and technology enthusiasts from all across Egypt to leverage technological innovation to help create inclusive, safe, and efficient workplaces for everyone, especially persons with disabilities. Over three days, from May 30 to June 1, around 100 Egyptian participants will develop technological solutions that alleviate the obstacles facing persons with disabilities in the work environment, implementing 6 teams from different governorates of Egypt. Under the guidance of experts from USAID, Vodafone Egypt, and Plug and Play, participants will work collaboratively to create prototypes that leverage the power of artificial intelligence to complement human capabilities and facilitate access to technology for persons with disabilities.
The competition will provide an outstanding opportunity for participants. The first-place team will receive initial funding of 600,000 Egyptian pounds, generously provided by Vodafone Egypt and the Charitable Investment Fund for Supporting People with Disabilities. Additionally, the top three teams will benefit from comprehensive training at Plug and Play Egypt, supported by the Economic Governance Activity funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). They will also receive technological tools to continue developing their solutions.
Hackathons provide a platform for collaboration, creativity, and collective problem-solving, reminding us that innovation knows no bounds. The ultimate goal is to create lasting change that transcends borders, cultures, and generations, building a society where inclusion is not an afterthought but a fundamental principle woven into every aspect of people’s lives.
Vodafone Egypt believes that diversity and inclusion are the keys to fostering innovation and positive change in the industry. The role of technology in providing comprehensive digital services to customers, improving the quality of life for millions of people, reducing inequality, and encouraging innovation, stated Catalin Buliga, Technology Director at Vodafone. He also highlighted the U.S. government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to promote a shared culture of comprehensive innovation and acknowledged his gratitude to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Ataa Fund and Plug & Play for their valuable partnership in this event.
This competition is not just about winning prizes but also about creating innovative, practical, and scalable solutions that make a real difference in the lives of persons with disabilities and can transform workplaces in Egypt. The “Vodafone’s AI Assistive Tools Hackathon” is a significant step towards achieving the Egyptian vision of providing a more inclusive and accessible digital environment for all by empowering persons with disabilities through technology-based solutions.
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This competition contributes to the USAID Economic Governance Activity’s overall objective of improving Egypt’s investment climate. Funded by USAID as part of the bilateral agreement between the Government of Egypt and the United States, the project supports the investment climate in Egypt by strengthening economic governance reform, improving the capacity of public institutions, and developing and implementing new models for service delivery in line with Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2023-2030, and administrative reform vision in Egypt.
By supporting the Government of Egypt in adopting more inclusive and efficient tools that meet the needs and priorities of citizens and the private sector, the project contributes to a positive investment climate in Egypt.
