Representatives from An-Najah University's Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology excelled at the International Hackathon for Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence, hosted by New York University Abu Dhabi. Competing against 220 students from 54 countries, they secured top positions. Sujoud Jamous of international Team 17 claimed second place and the Best Application Serving Sustainable Development Goals award. Mohammed Al-Akar from international Team 15 achieved a repeated third-place position, while Dr. Anas Toma, supervising international Team 3, also secured third place.

This Palestinian contribution is a result of collaboration with the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, represented by the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. It's also in partnership with the Palestinian Computing Hackathon Committee, which includes all Palestinian universities under the leadership of Dr. Mousa Farajallah and is sponsored by the Palestine Telecommunications Company.

Dr. Muhannad Haj Hussein, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, expressed his delight at the achievement, highlighting its significance in showcasing the university's international standing. He emphasized the importance of student participation in competitions that offer innovative solutions for sustainable development goals, promoting creativity and leadership.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Anas Toma, the team's supervisor and member of the Quantum Computing Hackathon Preparation and Judging Committee, emphasized the alignment of this achievement with the faculty and university's vision of engaging students in innovation and leveraging modern technology to serve society globally.

Dr. Farajallah, Chairman of the Committee, lauded the tremendous efforts that led to these commendable results. He expressed pride in the excellence, creativity, continuous training, and guidance provided by An-Najah University, elevating Palestine's profile internationally.

The hackathon included multiple stages, starting with participants learning about the latest advancements in quantum computing from leading scientists. Teams, composed of individuals from different countries and scientific fields, were then formed under expert supervision. These teams competed by developing projects to solve societal problems in healthcare, social issues, environment, and education using quantum computing and AI technology. Notably, teams also focused on providing prototype solutions for challenges facing people in Gaza and other Arab countries.

The hackathon competition at New York University Abu Dhabi holds a prominent position in the region, backed by leading experts in quantum computing from academic and industrial fields. The competition aims to equip the upcoming generation of innovators with the knowledge and tools to explore advancements in both quantum computing and artificial intelligence.