Egypt University of Informatics Celebrates Gen AI Hackathon Winners and EdTech Growth

Egypt University of Informatics (EUI) has recently concluded its Gen AI for Education Hackathon 2026, a significant event aimed at harnessing the potential of generative artificial intelligence in the educational sector. Organized by EUI's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC) under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the hackathon attracted 228 teams from across Egypt, highlighting the growing interest and investment in AI-driven educational solutions.

The hackathon featured two distinct competition tracks: the Student Track, aimed at university students and recent graduates, and the Startup Track, which was open to registered education technology (EdTech) startups. After a rigorous selection process, 32 teams advanced to the Demo Day, showcasing their innovative solutions to a panel of judges. The total prize pool amounted to EGP 450,000, reflecting the event's commitment to fostering innovation within the educational landscape.

In the Student Track, the team Hikaya from the German University in Cairo emerged as the winner, earning EGP 80,000. Kahrabba-Shafahi from October University for Modern Sciences and Arts secured second place with EGP 60,000, while Play2Be from EUI claimed third place with a prize of EGP 40,000. Notably, Hikaya also received a special award for the Best Arabic Solution, adding EGP 20,000 to their total winnings.

In the Startup Track, SKAYZ took first place with a prize of EGP 120,000, followed by NaFees AI—Anatomy Lab from Mansoura University, which received EGP 80,000 for second place. Dars edu by Aloegy, an AI-driven Arabic voice tutor, rounded out the top three with a prize of EGP 50,000. These results indicate a strong performance from both student and startup participants, showcasing the diverse talent pool in Egypt's burgeoning EdTech sector.

The hackathon addressed several key themes, including AI Tutor, Assessment Revolution, Content Creator, Accessibility and Inclusion, and an Open Challenge. This thematic approach not only encouraged innovative thinking but also aligned with global trends in education technology, where AI is increasingly seen as a tool for personalized learning and improved educational outcomes. Workshops and training sessions were integrated into the program, providing participants with the necessary skills to refine their solutions, which signals a commitment to not just competition, but also education and mentorship.

The involvement of major partners such as Telecom Egypt, Intel, EdVentures, and Keheilan Asset Management, along with support from the Horizon Europe-funded Gen AI for Africa project, underscores the collaborative effort to advance AI in education. These partnerships are crucial as they bring together resources, expertise, and networks that can help scale successful innovations beyond the hackathon.

The outcomes of this hackathon highlight a pivotal moment for Egypt's EdTech landscape. As generative AI continues to evolve, the solutions developed during this event could play a significant role in shaping the future of education in the region. The emphasis on themes like accessibility and personalized learning reflects broader global trends, suggesting that Egyptian startups and educational institutions are positioning themselves to be competitive players in the international EdTech market.

Looking ahead, the success of the Gen AI for Education Hackathon 2026 could catalyze further investment in AI-driven educational solutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. As local startups gain recognition and funding, they may attract attention from global investors seeking innovative solutions that address educational challenges. This shift could lead to a more vibrant ecosystem of EdTech companies, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange that drives the sector forward.