The first edition of the competition runs from August 1 to mid-October, with the registration period open until August 12.
The competition includes several fields, such as software
and artificial intelligence solutions, cybersecurity, and digital games and
arts.
The Information Technology Industry Development Agency
(ITIDA), the Information Technology Institute (ITI), the National Telecommunication
Institute (NTI), and Egypt University of Informatics (EUI) are all supervising
the competition.
Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information
Technology, stated that the launch of the Digitopia competition is part of the
MCIT's efforts to support digital creativity and foster a culture of innovation
among students and graduates. The competition provides a platform for
innovators to unleash their creative ideas, hone their skills, and gain the
practical experience needed to turn their ideas into implementable
technological solutions that contribute to building Digital Egypt. He added
that digital creativity is one of the main pillars of building a knowledge
economy, and the ministry is keen to promote an environment of innovation and
entrepreneurship by expanding the establishment of Digital Egypt Creativity
Centers in various governorates, which offer a range of programs to nurture
digital creativity at all stages.
Talaat added that the competition targets diverse age groups
as part of a comprehensive vision to discover innovators at an early stage,
alongside efforts to support creative youth, thereby preparing a generation
capable of creativity, innovation, and effective participation in the digital
transformation journey.
The grand prize is EGP 1 million, with a total prize pool of
EGP 10 million. There are also specialized training opportunities in
collaboration with local and international technology development companies.
The prizes include financial and in-kind rewards, with the grand prize being
EGP 1 million, in addition to specialized training opportunities that will help
participants develop their professional careers.
The target participants are divided into four main
categories: elementary school students (grades 4-6), middle and high school
students (grades 7-12), university students of all majors, and graduates up to
the age of 35.
The competition is implemented in successive stages: the
preliminary stage, which includes the launch and registration; the first stage,
which involves introductory sessions; the second stage, where ideas are
submitted and qualifiers are announced; the third stage, where ideas are
transformed into technological solutions, followed by judging and announcing
the finalists; and finally, the fourth and final stage, which includes the
finals and the announcement of the winners.
The judging panel consists of experts and specialists in digital technology development and innovation who will evaluate the ideas, projects, and solutions throughout the different stages of the competition.