The IEEE Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) collaborated with Bahrain Polytechnic to organize the “Towards Safe Work Environment” Hackathon. The Hackathon that is the first of its kind in Bahrain, was held at the Polytechnic campus in Isa Town. It has witnessed the participation of more than 60 technical, scientific, and engineering students, distributed to six teams, representing various schools and universities in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The organizing of this Hackathon is part of IEEE’s development activities and is in line with its goals in emphasizing youths’ contributions and support to development and innovation for the benefit of humanity. It highlights the role of Bahraini youth in supporting and developing humanity on all levels and practices, in addition to the achievement of a safe working environment for technological and engineering professions in Bahrain.
The Hackathon is the first of its kind in Bahrain and is scheduled to be held annually following its first edition which was organized under the supervision of the IEEE branch in Bahrain.
The Hackathon programme, which was held over five days, included various workshops and activities, which aimed to introduce students to the reality and requirements of the technological and engineering work environments in Bahrain, and its development opportunities, in a way that serves to enhance the performance of these sectors and their competitiveness at a global level.
On this occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Polytechnic, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin expressed his delight on this strategic partnership to organize the event with one of the most prominent international engineering and technical institutes, which has a membership of more than 6000 engineers from around the world.
“This participation represents a valuable opportunity for students to get involved in this international engineering and technical movement, and to contribute with their projects to the innovative solutions for the development of technology that would benefit humanity” Professor Ó Catháin added.
On her part, Dr. Hanan Al Bouflasa, Chair of the IEEE Region 8 SIGHT, noted that the importance of this Hackathon is to rehabilitate students and refine their creativity and professionally prepare them to face future challenges.
Dr. Al Bouflasa indicated that the Hackathon examined the needs and requirements of the engineering and technical sector in Bahrain, under the supervision of specialists and professionals, by selecting projects that provide realistic solutions which are beneficial and applicable with the involvement of the concerned bodies and sectors.
The closing ceremony for the Hackathon was held on Sunday 26th February 2023, during which awards were presented to the winners of the Hackathon, who were: Abdulla Duaabul, Ali Khamis, Mohamed Hussain, Abdul Rahman Aalam. Certificates were also awarded to participants and organizers.
