Ericsson and Hack for Earth Launch Gulf Sustainability Challenge for Young Innovators
Ericsson and Hack for Earth have launched the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge, a regional hackathon aimed at bringing together young innovators, startups and university students to develop technology-driven solutions for sustainability and climate action.
The challenge is open to participants aged 18 and above from the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, with registration opening on August 17. Participants will explore how connectivity and digital technologies can address sustainability challenges and support the region’s national development and climate ambitions.
The programme will use Hack for Earth’s Dream–Hack–Build methodology, taking participants from identifying sustainability challenges through solution development and towards potential real-world implementation.
Participants will be challenged to develop scalable solutions using technologies including artificial intelligence, IoT and next-generation connectivity, with potential applications across areas such as climate action, resource efficiency and the development of smarter and more resilient communities.
Petra Schirren, President of Ericsson Gulf, says: “For decades, Ericsson has been a trusted partner in the Gulf’s digital transformation, helping build the connectivity that powers economies, industries, and communities across the region. As we mark 150 years of innovation, we remain focused on what comes next. Through the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge, we are bringing together young innovators, universities, ecosystem partners, and our experts to co-create solutions powered by 5G, AI, and digitalization that support the region’s sustainability ambitions and inspire the next generation of changemakers.”
Kirsty Fitzgibbon, Head of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, says: “The transition to a more sustainable future depends on the ideas, energy and creativity of the next generation. Through the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge, we are supporting young innovators across the Gulf with the mentorship, technology, and industry expertise they need to turn their ideas into practical solutions with meaningful environmental and social impact. By combining connectivity and digital innovation, we can help these young talents collaborate across borders and develop solutions that contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive and connected future.”
Ann Molin, Founder and Secretary General of Hack for Earth Foundation, CEO Hack for Earth AB, says: “The future belongs to those who dare to build it. Together with Ericsson, we are creating opportunities for young innovators across the Gulf to transform ambitious ideas into solutions that strengthen communities, accelerate sustainability, and shape the connected societies of tomorrow. This is about investing in people whose innovations can create lasting impact far beyond the hackathon itself.”
Winning teams will progress to Hack for Earth’s six-month Build for Earth accelerator, where they will receive mentorship and work with industry experts and Ericsson’s ecosystem to develop promising ideas into scalable solutions. The winning projects will also have an opportunity to be showcased at Ericsson’s booth at GITEX GLOBAL.
