Participation Tracks
Explore the hackathon tracks and learn how projects will be evaluated to help you compete effectively and make an impact.
Rising Stars Track
School Students aged 11 to 17The Rising Stars Track invites school students aged 11 to 17 to explore creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through the lens of real national challenges. The focus is on ideation and awareness-building, encouraging participants to imagine how digital solutions can improve everyday life and contribute to the UAE’s future. This track nurtures early innovation mindsets by exposing students to emerging technologies, collaboration, and design thinking in an engaging and supportive environment. It inspires the next generation of innovators while helping them build foundational skills in creativity, teamwork, and future-oriented thinking.
Evaluation Criteria
Alignment with challenge and impact
The solutions will be evaluated based on their alignment with the nature of the presented challenge, their ability to create a tangible impact that addresses issues related to the core themes, and their contribution to enhancing the quality of digital government services provided to the community
Effective use of data
Teams will be evaluated based on the effectiveness and sustainability of their use of open data provided by government entities. Priority will be given to solutions that employ this data in an innovative and comprehensive manner
Innovative use of AI and emerging technologies
The evaluation will be based on the degree of innovation in utilizing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to address the presented challenges and deliver tangible added value
Solution feasibility and planning
The solutions will be evaluated based on their ease of implementation in the actual work environment of the government entity, including the development of a clear 90-day execution plan to test the product, with defined milestones and a realistic timeline
Presentation, clarity of communication and creativity of the pitch
Teams will be evaluated based on the clarity and persuasiveness of their presentation in conveying the solution’s value, applicability, and potential impact
Pioneers Track
University Students aged 18 to 25The Pioneers Track is designed for university students aged 18 to 25, enabling them to bridge ideation and early-stage prototyping. Participants work on real challenges and develop functional concepts supported by structured guidance, mentorship, and access to validated innovation resources.Through collaboration with experts and government partners, participants refine their ideas into tangible prototypes with potential for further development. This track strengthens practical innovation skills and prepares participants to actively contribute to the UAE’s evolving digital and AI-driven ecosystem.
Evaluation Criteria
Alignment with challenge and impact
The solutions will be evaluated based on their alignment with the nature of the presented challenge, their ability to create a tangible impact that addresses issues related to the core themes, and their contribution to enhancing the quality of digital government services provided to the community
Effective use of data
Teams will be evaluated based on the effectiveness and sustainability of their use of open data provided by government entities. Priority will be given to solutions that employ this data in an innovative and comprehensive manner
Innovative use of AI and emerging technologies
The evaluation will be based on the degree of innovation in utilizing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to address the presented challenges and deliver tangible added value
Solution feasibility and planning
The solutions will be evaluated based on their ease of implementation in the actual work environment of the government entity, including the development of a clear 90-day execution plan to test the product, with defined milestones and a realistic timeline
Market potential and commercialization
The potential for the solution to be commercially viable or adopted in the market. How likely is it that the solution can be monetized or integrated into existing systems or services?
presentation, clarity of communication and creativity of the pitch
Teams will be evaluated based on the clarity and persuasiveness of their presentation in conveying the solution’s value, applicability, and potential impact
Entrepreneurs Track
Professionals & Entrepreneurs Driving InnovationThe Entrepreneurs Track brings together professionals and entrepreneurs to design and develop scalable, impact-driven solutions. It focuses on both ideation and prototyping, enabling participants to explore innovation opportunities within organizations and across sectors. Participants work closely with mentors and strategic partners to refine solutions that address real operational and industry challenges. The track promotes applied innovation, encouraging participants to transform ideas into viable prototypes with strong potential for adoption and scale.
Evaluation Criteria
Alignment with challenge and impact
The solutions will be evaluated based on their alignment with the nature of the presented challenge, their ability to create a tangible impact that addresses issues related to the core themes, and their contribution to enhancing the quality of digital government services provided to the community
Effective use of data
Teams will be evaluated based on the effectiveness and sustainability of their use of open data provided by government entities. Priority will be given to solutions that employ this data in an innovative and comprehensive manner
Innovative use of AI and emerging technologies
The evaluation will be based on the degree of innovation in utilizing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to address the presented challenges and deliver tangible added value
Solution feasibility and planning
The solutions will be evaluated based on their ease of implementation in the actual work environment of the government entity, including the development of a clear 90-day execution plan to test the product, with defined milestones and a realistic timeline
Market potential and commercialization
The potential for the solution to be commercially viable or adopted in the market. How likely is it that the solution can be monetized or integrated into existing systems or services?
presentation, clarity of communication and creativity of the pitch
Teams will be evaluated based on the clarity and persuasiveness of their presentation in conveying the solution’s value, applicability, and potential impact
Government Innovators Track
Government Leaders & InnovatorsThe Government Innovators Track brings together federal and local government employees, policymakers, and decision-makers to co-create solutions that enhance public service delivery and government performance. Participants collaborate across entities to address priority challenges using AI-enabled tools and data-driven approaches, supported by structured engagement with innovation partners. The focus is on developing practical, implementable solutions that improve efficiency, enhance user experience, and support seamless government operations. This track strengthens a culture of agile governance and innovation in the public sector, enabling government teams to directly contribute to shaping a smarter, more responsive, and future-ready government ecosystem in the UAE.
Evaluation Criteria
Potential impact on Zero Bureaucracy
The solutions will be evaluated based on their alignment with the "Zero Government Bureaucracy" theme and the potential impact the idea can have on making the government processes more efficient
Effective use of data
Teams will be evaluated based on the effectiveness and sustainability of their use of open data provided by government entities. Priority will be given to solutions that employ this data in an innovative and comprehensive manner
Innovative use of AI and emerging technologies
The evaluation will be based on the degree of innovation in utilizing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to address the presented challenges and deliver tangible added value
Solution feasibility and planning
The solutions will be evaluated based on their ease of implementation in the actual work environment of the government entity, including the development of a clear 90-day execution plan to test the product, with defined milestones and a realistic timeline
Usability and Functionality of the Solution
Assesses how intuitive, accessible, and efficient the solution is for end-users. Evaluation will focus on the ease of use, functionality, and how well the solution operates in a real-world setting to address the intended challenge.
presentation, clarity of communication and creativity of the pitch
Teams will be evaluated based on the clarity and persuasiveness of their presentation in conveying the solution’s value, applicability, and potential impact