Ericsson has announced the launch of the KSA 5G Together Apart Hackathon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, a press release issued today said.
The hackathon is divided into two parts: inspiring panel talks and the hackathon competition. The conversations will take place virtually on February 22nd, 2022, in the presence of business and thinking leaders, and will be available to the public in order to encourage Saudi society as a whole.
The KSA 5G Together Apart Hackathon will challenge participants to develop new 5G solutions based on five topics that coincide with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal. Ericsson encourages young and dynamic Saudis to consider how 5G might contribute to the pillars of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to convert the country into a diversified economy. The KSA 5G Together Apart Hackathon consists of five core tasks, each with a supporting panel to stimulate and inspire team solutions:
The KSA 5G Together Apart Hackathon celebrates more than five years since the foundation of Saudi Vision 2030 and strives to build on the nation’s progress toward a Vibrant Society, a Thriving Economy, and an Ambitious Nation. Ericsson intends to demonstrate the power of connection and 5G in moving the nation ahead by drawing inspiration from components of Saudi Vision 2030.
The KSA 5G Together Apart Hackathon’s ultimate goal is to promote Saudi Arabia‘s reimagination for societal and economic breakthroughs via the power of 5G technology.
A total of five winning teams will be selected, one from each challenge region. The five winning teams will be provided with assistance in developing and growing their ideas. The top prize will be a trip to Ericsson’s headquarters in Sweden to propose their concept and meet with the entrepreneurial community.
Mr. Ibrahem Alnasser, Assistant Deputy for Digital Entrepreneurship and Inclusion at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, says: “5G technology has the power to transform every single citizen’s life, and that is why we have invested in developing this infrastructure. Public and private partnerships are vital to ensuring the goals of the national vision are achieved. By actively engaging with skilled and talented Saudis, we have an opportunity to develop innovative ideas that help to transform our nation. This hackathon is an important platform to foster innovative ideas and develop commercially viable solutions that address the focus areas of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Mathias Johansson, Vice President and Head of Saudi Arabia at Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: “The KSA 5G Together Apart Hackathon is another demonstration of our commitment to Saudi Arabia and its long-term goals. We believe that collaborative efforts are essential to reshaping the Kingdom’s economy and society. In working together with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to establish the hackathon, we are aligning with the technological and innovation mandates of helping to digitally transform the Kingdom, creating efficiencies and new ways of working to future-proof the nation for decades.”