H₂Optimize Hackathon – Call for Applications عودة إلى الفرص

H₂Optimize Hackathon – Call for Applications

Theme: Reducing Water Waste in Irrigated Agriculture through Low-Cost Smart Solutions
Pre-Hackathon Masterclass: 14 July 2025
Hackathon Dates: 19–20 July 2025
Format: Hybrid Event
Application Deadline: 30 June 2025

About the Initiative

The MENA Regional Network on Climate Change (MENA RNCC), launched by the German Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), is a collaborative platform that brings together stakeholders from across the Middle East and North Africa to address the region’s most pressing climate challenges through dialogue, innovation, and cooperation.

As part of this mission, the MENA RNCC is launching the H₂Optimize Hackathon — a dynamic competition that empowers youth to co-create innovative, low-cost smart solutions to reduce water waste in irrigated agriculture, a key issue for climate resilience and food security in the MENA region.

🚀 Are You Ready to Innovate for Climate Resilience?

The H₂Optimize Hackathon invites young innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, engineers, designers, environmentalists, and problem-solvers from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia, plus one guest team from outside the MENA region, to tackle one of the most urgent climate challenges of our time:

🔍 Reducing water waste in irrigated agriculture through low-cost smart solutions

🌾 About the Theme

Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater in the MENA region, which already faces extreme water scarcity, rising temperatures, and unsustainable farming methods. This hackathon seeks youth-led innovations that improve water use efficiency, reduce waste, and support cost-effective and practical solutions adapted to local realities.

During the 48-hour hackathon, teams will work intensively to design and pitch a concept or prototype of a smart, affordable, and feasible solution. AI is welcome, but not required — the focus is on practical and accessible innovation.

👥 Who Can Apply?

We welcome teams of 3 young people, aged 18 to 35, residing in the eligible countries listed above. Only one application per team is required.
👉 Interdisciplinary and gender-balanced teams are highly encouraged!

🌟 What’s in it for YOU?

✅ Mentorship & Masterclasses
Gain expert guidance through tailored online learning sessions and a dedicated pre-hackathon masterclass on 14 July 2025.

✅ Network Access
Join the MENA RNCC — a growing youth-led community working on climate action in the region.

✅ Visibility & Mobility
Get invited to regional events and platforms (both online and on-site) to showcase your innovation.

✅ Incubation Opportunities
Access funding channels, technical mentorship, and follow-up support for promising projects.

🏆 Grand Prize
The winning team will receive official recognition and the opportunity to present their solution at the regional level.

📩 Interested in joining the challenge?
Please fill in the following application form to apply:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTJx2LNIbKFY9HA94lUA9RMAUyEp4UNc4XcwlZH5JKHcuuuw/viewform?fbzx=-684314586986331658