“Co-scape” Event
As part of its commitment to fostering the development of academic and professional skills, as well as promoting entrepreneurship and startups, the Higher School of Technology and Engineering (ENSTI) in Annaba, in collaboration with three student clubs representing different regions of Algeria, had the privilege of organizing and hosting the COSCAPE Hackathon. This large-scale event, led by the Zenith Club of ENSTI Annaba, the Elec Club of the University of M’sila, and the Alphabit of ESI Sidi-Bel-Abbès, took place from February 15th to 17th, 2024. Its primary objective was to address the challenges facing startups in the country and to encourage entrepreneurial innovation.
During these 45 hours of intense competition, divided into three phases – Prototyping, Implementation, and Marketing – only 60 participants, carefully selected from over 100 registrants, had the opportunity to form 12 teams representing various prestigious institutions such as ESI Alger, USTHB Alger, University of Batna, University of Constantine, and University of Oran, among others.
Participants were subjected to a series of major challenges throughout the event, including strict time constraints, complex problem-solving issues, technical hurdles to overcome, as well as the inherent pressure of competition. Additionally, they had to present their solutions convincingly during pitch sessions in front of a jury.
Participation in the COSCAPE Hackathon had a significant impact on the participants, providing them with the opportunity to develop and refine their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork, while expanding their professional network and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the real world.
Economically, the COSCAPE Hackathon holds major importance for the development of the startup landscape in Algeria. By addressing the specific challenges faced by these emerging businesses, this event promotes the creation of innovative solutions that can energize the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Furthermore, it encourages a dynamic culture of entrepreneurship and strengthens collaboration between universities and local clubs, thereby paving the way for better harnessing of local potential and increased business opportunities.
In conclusion, the COSCAPE Hackathon, orchestrated by the Zenith clubs of ENSTI Annaba, Elec of the University of M’sila, and Alphabit of ESI Sidi-Bel-Abbès, was a highly valuable event for both participants and the startup economy in Algeria. Through its rigorous organization and unwavering commitment to innovation, it succeeded in stimulating creativity and encouraging the development of innovative solutions to address the country’s entrepreneurial challenges.