RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has launched an Agriculture Hackathon to inspire and support innovation in the sector.
The event aims to generate digital solutions, platforms and applications to foster a sustainable agricultural ecosystem in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, according to the ministry.
The competition is expected to strengthen food and water security, enhance productivity and quality, optimize supply chain processes, harness modern technologies, and promote awareness and education.
The contest is open to university students, graduates, aspiring entrepreneurs, individuals with inventive technological ideas, enthusiasts, and experts in the field, including programmers.
The competition has two primary tracks, with the first focusing on sustainable agricultural development, food security, fish resources, sustainable consumption, protected cultivation, modern techniques, water-saving measures, and rainwater harvesting.
The second track encompasses plant and animal health, strengthening disease and pest prevention in agriculture and animal husbandry, and combating red palm weevil infestations.
The ministry stated that the hackathon is a platform for participants to develop their ideas, demonstrate their technological capabilities and skills, and engage with agricultural experts and specialists.
The top three winners will receive prizes of up to SR300,000 ($79,000), the ministry said.
Registration is open until Sept. 14 through the link https://agrihackathon.mewa.gov.sa/sign-up
